(Yicai Global) Jan. 18 -- China's stock markets started off higher, logging a more than 1 percent rise at the start, with forestry and industrial metals leading the charge.

The Shanghai Composite Index kicked off up 0.32 percent at 2,567.74 points, while the Shenzhen Component Index set off from 7,486.95 points, 0.22 percent higher than yesterday's close. 

The ChiNext Index, China's Nasdaq-style board of growth enterprises, opened 0.33 percent up at 1,255.60 points.

Editor: Ben Armour