(Yicai Global) Sept. 23 -- China's mainland stock markets started lower today as market sentiments were cautious before the impending one-week National Day holiday starting next week.

The Shanghai Composite Index dropped 0.27 percent to 2,998.40. The Shenzhen Component Index fell by 0.28 percent to 9,853.47. The ChiNext Price Index slid 0.33 percent to 1,699.34.

Chinese markets will close from Oct. 1 to Oct. 8.

Editor: Emmi Laine