Markets continue to slide after post-holiday rally

Markets in the Chinese mainland fell almost 2 percent Wednesday as investors continued their profit-taking after the post-holiday rally.

The benchmark Shanghai Composite Index fell 40.34 points or 1.81 percent to close at 2,193.07, the biggest drop in three weeks.

The Shenzhen Component Index shed 157.48 points or 1.81 percent, closing at 8,542.87.

Combined turnover on the two bourses was 278.51 billion yuan ($45.65 billion), down from Tuesday's 287.54 billion yuan.

Investors continued selling shares, especially in free trade zone-related companies, amid concerns over US debt talks and the upcoming third-quarter GDP figures.

Companies linked to the Shanghai Pilot Free Trade Zone were among the worst performers, with Shanghai Waigaoqiao Free Trade Zone Development Co plunging 9.52 percent to 46.19.

ChiNext, a NASDAQ-style board for high-tech and fast-growing start-ups listed in Shenzhen, fell 3.93 percent or 54.65 points to close at 1,335.10 points.