(Yicai Global) Aug. 22 -- China's mainland stock markets ended the morning session lower today as investors quickly lost enthusiasm following a strong start.

The Shanghai Composite Index went into lunch 0.18 percent lower at 2,875.04, while the Shenzhen Component Index was down 0.17 percent at 9,315.14. The ChiNext Price Index, which tracks growth enterprises listed in Shenzhen, was also down 0.17 percent at 1,607.04.