Chinese stocks rose Wednesday led by cement makers, which gained on news of a government plan to boost sales of construction materials in rural areas.

The benchmark Shanghai Composite Index edged 0.7 percent, or 19.95 points, higher to close at 2,861.36.

The Shenzhen Component Index gained 1.86 percent, or 229.72 points, to end at 12,603.

Combined turnover shrank to 300.98 billion yuan (45.12 billion U.S. dollars) from 363.4 billion yuan the previous trading day.

Gainers outnumbered losers 507 to 359 in Shanghai and 604 to 465 in Shenzhen.

Cement producers jumped across the board after six government ministries issued a joint statement announcing the nation's launch of a pilot program to promote sales of construction materials -- especially cement -- in the country's vast rural areas.

Anhui Conch Cement Co., China's largest cement maker, rose 3.99 percent to 25.78 yuan per share while Gansu Qilianshan Cement Group Co. climbed 3.38 percent to 18.97 yuan per share.

Financial shares also gained after media reports said Central Huijin Investment Ltd., an arm of China's sovereign wealth fund, had finished the first phase of its plan to increase its stake in China Construction Bank.

Shares of the CCB added 1.47 percent to finish at 4.82 yuan per share while Industrial and Commercial Bank of China, the country's largest lender, gained 0.96 percent to end at 4.23 yuan per share.

Consumer stocks were weak amid speculation recent gains in the sector were overdone.

Kweichow Moutai Co., China's biggest white liquor maker, fell 3.36 percent to 161 yuan while Wuliangye Yibin Co., the country's second biggest white spirits maker, lost 3.21 percent to finish at 33.15 yuan per share.

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