Workers and residents near a construction site in Shenzhen had to evacuate their homes and workplaces following a sudden ground collapse.

Thirteen people remain missing.

The collapse happened at 11pm on Wednesday at a construction site in the city's Bao'an District, prompting local authorities to cordon off streets hundreds of metres away from the site.

Nearby residents and workers were seen evacuating their homes and factories, with some saying they were asked to do so at about noon on Thursday.

A resident, who was leaving with her pet, said she was not sure when could she return home.

"They asked us not to stay here and asked us to evacuate. They think it's not safe here and asked us to move elsewhere," she told RTHK.

A worker said there was no arrangement of accommodation from his employer.

"Everyone has to evacuate... I don't know how to describe my feelings now. I can't work and also I have to pay and live elsewhere," he said.

Another worker said he was working at a nearby site when the collapse happened.

"I was working and the electricity supply was suddenly cut off... We're moving out due to safety concerns, and we have to wait for further announcement from the company," he said.

An all-out rescue has been launched and an investigation into the accident is underway, state media reported.