(Yicai Global) Feb. 21 -- China's mainland stock markets opened mixed this morning, with software shares leading the early risers with an over 2 percent gain.

The Shanghai Composite Index started at 3,022.25, down 0.26 percent, while the Shenzhen Component Index edged down 0.02 percent at 11,506.67. The ChiNext Price Index, which tracks growth enterprises in Shenzhen, rose 0.24 percent to 2,191.98.

Editor: Ben Armour