Earthquakes in China — December 2025
9 earthquakes were recorded in China during December 2025, an average of 0.3 per day.
9 reached magnitude 4 or above and 1 reached magnitude 5 or above. The average focal depth was 14 km.
The month's largest event in China was a magnitude 5.8 earthquake near Tumxuk, China on 04 December 2025 at 07:44 UTC. A magnitude 5.8 earthquake radiates roughly 7,558 tons of TNT equivalent in seismic energy.
That is below the China monthly average of 13 events over the period we cover — a comparatively quiet month, and up from the 5 recorded the previous month.
100% of events here are shallow (under 70 km), 0% intermediate (70–300 km) and 0% deep-focus (over 300 km). Almost everything here is crustal. That is characteristic of transform faulting or continental deformation rather than subduction — and it means shaking at the surface is strong for the magnitudes involved.
By band, the catalogue holds 8 in the magnitude 4 range, 1 in the magnitude 5 range.
The month's largest events were M5.8 near Tumxuk, China on 04 December at 10 km; M4.8 near Nagqu, China on 02 December at 10 km; M4.7 near Shuanglong, China on 11 December at 16 km.
That is 31% below the 13 events China averages per month across the 21 months on record.
Largest earthquakes in China, December 2025
9 events listed below, newest first. Times are UTC. Click any column header to re-sort.
| Time (UTC) | Mag | Location | Depth (km) | Country | Details |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5.8 | Tumxuk, China | 10.0 | China | View details View | |
| 4.8 | Nagqu, China | 10.0 | China | View details View | |
| 4.7 | Turpan, China | 40.6 | China | View details View | |
| 4.7 | Shuanglong, China | 16.4 | China | View details View | |
| 4.6 | Beitanzhuang, China | 10.0 | China | View details View | |
| 4.5 | Aykol, China | 10.0 | China | View details View | |
| 4.5 | Kuqa, China | 10.0 | China | View details View | |
| 4.5 | Qingnian, China | 10.0 | China | View details View | |
| 4.4 | Yingjiang, China | 10.0 | China | View details View |
Frequently asked questions
How many earthquakes hit China in December 2025?
9 earthquakes were recorded in China during December 2025, of which 9 were magnitude 4 or above.
What was the biggest earthquake in China in December 2025?
A magnitude 5.8 event near Tumxuk, China on 04 December 2025.
Other months in China
Magnitudes for December 2025 reflect the current USGS review status and may have been revised since first publication. See our guides on the magnitude scale, focal depth and why earthquakes cluster.