Chinese shares rose 1.56 percent on Thursday to close at 2,853.9 points, led by the strong performance of heavyweights and coal shares.

The benchmark Shanghai Composite Index gained 43.78 points, or 1.56 percent, to close at 2,853.9. The Shenzhen Component Index closed at 11,151.63 points, up 111.14 points, or 1.01 percent.

Aggregate turnover expanded to 225.08 billion yuan (US$32.95 billion) from 186.05 billion yuan in the previous trading day.

(Xinhua News Agency June 18, 2009)