On the basis of the estimated earthquake-affected area and by conducting an in situ investigation and disaster analysis, we drew a seismic intensity map and determined the damage characteristics of the Xiahe, Gansu M5.7 earthquake that struck on October 28, 2019. The maximum intensity of the earthquake was Ⅶ degree, the affected area measured 193 km², and the VI degree area measured 1 398 km². In the earthquake region, most houses were civil structures supported by wooden frames. In the meizoseismal area, the cob walls of most houses were severely cracked and collapsed, but their load-bearing timber frames only showed a slight tilt and partial damage without complete collapse. Most temples were basically intact and showed only slight cracks on specific walls. The disaster presented a zonal distribution along the distribution direction of the fault zone. The damage to the buildings on the mountainside were relatively severe, thereby indicating the obvious mountain amplification effect and slope effect of the earthquake. Considering these disaster characteristics, we offered a number of suggestions for enhancing the antiseismic performance of buildings and strengthening the publicity and education related to earthquake prevention and disaster reduction.