A powerful earthquake that struck northwest China on Monday evening has left at least 111 people dead and 230 injured.

Footage shows the quake shaking buildings and homes, sending locals fleeing onto the streets in the northwestern Chinese province of Gansu at around 11:59 pm on December 18.

The China Earthquake Networks Center said the shallow earthquake struck at a depth of 10 kilometres.

State broadcaster CCTV citing disaster relief officials reported that there were at least 111 fatalities and 230 injured on Tuesday morning.

The earthquake had knocked out power and water supply in several villages as China's north region was grappling with freezing winter temperatures.

Chinese President Xi Jinping has ordered 'all-out efforts' while search and rescue operations were underway.