An earthquake of about 7.2 magnitude shook Tajikistan at 11:37am Hong Kong time on Thursday at a depth of 10 kilometres, state television CCTV reported, citing the China Earthquake Networks Center.

The epicentre was about 82 kilometres from the nearest border with the mainland and was strongly felt in some areas in the western Xinjiang region, including Kashgar and Artux, CCTV reported.

There were no reports of casualties. Power supply and communication remained normal in Kashgar, Xinhua news agency reported.

The Xinjiang railroad department called a halt to passenger trains running on the Aksu to Kashgar section of the Southern Xinjiang railway, state media said.

Local authorities were inspecting bridges, tunnels and signal equipment, CCTV added. (Reuters)