China's stocks started 2011 with more than 1 percent of gains in the morning session Tuesday, as investors hoped for a new beginning for the markets after they lost about 14 percent last year.

The benchmark Shanghai Composite Index opened this year's first trading day with a rally of 0.61 percent at 2,825.33 and widened its gains to 35.78 points, or 1.27 percent, to finish the morning session at 2,843.86.

The Shenzhen Component Index rose 0.96 percent to open the year at 12,578.45 and extended its gains to 194.02 points, or 1.56 percent, to end at 12,652.57 at midday.