Chinese equities closed slightly lower Thursday as heavyweights weakened in the afternoon trade.

The benchmark Shanghai Composite Index went down 0.28 percent, or 8.53 points, to close at 2,995.31 points.

The Shenzhen Component Index dropped 0.76 percent, or 93.09 points, to close at 12,169.48 points.

Combined turnover grew to 199.5 billion yuan (28.62 billion U.S. dollars), from 198.71 billion yuan on the previous trading day.

Gainers outnumbered losers by 557 to 303 in Shanghai and 522 to 328 in Shenzhen.