probably depends a lot on the building you were in and where in the building

It was only 4.7 strength, but half way between Kunming and Qujing, so very close.

Haha Yanis..anyways, some interesting info.

earthquake.usgs.gov/[...]

major 7.7 (!) Tonghai (120km south of KM) earthquake in '70..interesting 'relief efforts'.

en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1970_Tonghai_earthquake

I live on the 24th floor of a recently built building and barely felt it. I was standing next to my friend who didn't feel it at all. Does this mean earthquake building codes were/are actually being enforced in KM? If some people who live lower to the ground felt it much more significantly, does that mean my building is made to absorb the waves? Anybody with earthquake experience please chime in..would like to know the level of safety of this building.

without knowing the design of the building, i dont think that is possible. wood buildings shake and disipate the shock and are safer but some building designed for eq aborb energy at basement levels. and building doesnet shake.

I felt a little, we were in the office and we run out.

As far as earthquakes go in Kunming, this was a "humdinger" - however, but the wife and kids didn't say anything, so guess it wasn't that impressive. Wait until they visit California...

The high winds are shaking my building more than an earthquake.

Can never miss a the effects of a quake, even the small ones! The lights we have in our apartment always swing a little lol

Can you tape a pen and some paper to your lights for the next one :)