Chinese Premier Li Keqiang is urging a fast and all-out effort in the search for survivors of the earthquake in Ludian County, Yunnan Province.
He is currently in the quake zone overseeing the effort.
"You have saved many lives with your timely arrival and aid. Even now there is still much hope for survivors who may be trapped under debris. Please make the full and best use of your time while you are here. Never give up as long as there is still a glimmer of hope."
Meanwhile, blocked roads and rain have hampered the relief effort.
Many roads leading to some of the worst hit areas remain impassable. The premier had to walk five kilometers through rubble on foot to the disaster site.
He is urging rescuers to try everything to break through.
"The roads are blocked. These roads lead to lives that can be saved if we can reach the people in time. We need vehicles to get through; we can't rely on helicopters alone. We must try our best to break through and reach survivors."
Medical experts are also emphasizing the importance of racing against time to find more survivors, adding that houses made of mud and wood are comparatively easy to search.
The 6.5-magnitude earthquake in southwest China's Yunnan Province on Monday has left 398 dead and thousands injured.
More organizations and experts from other provinces are joining the rescuing efforts.
