Buildings shook briefly in the city of Taipei on Monday as a 6.0-magnitude earthquake struck Taiwan's eastern coast, but there were no immediate reports of damage.

The quake had a depth of 6.8km with its epicentre in Hualien county, a sparsely populated part of the island, authorities there said, adding the quake could be felt across Taiwan.

It had an estimated depth of 10km and struck 38km south of Hualien city at 9.05am, according to the US Geological Survey. A second smaller tremor hit about half an hour later.

The Taipei Metro stopped briefly when the quake hit, according to one passenger, before continuing at reduced speed for several stops.

Taiwan lies near the junction of two tectonic plates and is prone to earthquakes. (Reuters/AFP)