(Yicai Global) Jan. 13 -- China's mainland stock markets fell back in the afternoon despite their promising beginnings as many major equity benchmarks touched their multi-year highs this morning.

The Shanghai Composite Index closed down 0.27 percent to 3,598.65. Shortly after opening, it had reached 3,622.35, the highest level since December 2015.

The Shenzhen Component Index dropped 0.61 percent to 15,365.43. It had gone as high as 15,597.97 earlier during the day, the highest point since June 2015.

Shenzhen's ChiNext Price Index, which tracks growth enterprises in Shenzhen, was down 1.57 percent to 3,130.30. The Star Market Board 50 Index was the only one to end higher, rising 0.16 percent to 1,407.41.

Editor: Emmi Laine