The U.S. Geological Survey said the 6.3 magnitude temblor was centered about 50 miles (80 km) west of the Tibetan capital of Lhasa at a depth of about 6 miles (10 km).
China’s official Xinhua news agency reports that most of the structural damage and fatalities occurred in Damxung county.
Shaking was also felt for more than 30 seconds in Lhasa, but there were no reports of damage to any of the capital’s historic structures.
The quake struck at 4:30 p.m. local time, sending many people rushing into the streets.
A Xinhua reporter in Lhasa said shops remained open and both visitors and residents appeared to have remained calm.