Abstract Using GPS velocity field and the least square collocation method, we calculate and analyze the strain rate fields of the year 1999-2007, 2009-2013 and 2013-2016 of the area around the north-south seismic zone in China. The changing of strain rate fields and its internal reasons are analyzed. With epicenters of earthquakes that occurred from the year 2008 to 2018, the relationship between strain rates and epicenters is summarized. Finally, with geological and seismological results, we analyze the earthquake risk in the study area. As results show, in recent years, the Tibet plateau has accelerated its extension, resulting in the increasing strain rates around Qilian block and the eastern margin of Sichuan-Yunnan block; the north-eastern margin of Tibet plateau shows lateral inhomogeneous characteristics; earthquakes of MW≥6.0 are collocated with regions of highest strain rates. Earthquake risk areas can be recognized as the eastern part of Qilian mountain, Maqin-Maqu segment of east Kunlun fault, Anninghe-Xiaojiang fault zone and mid-southern segment of Honghe fault zone.