A private survey showed that China's manufacturing activity expanded for the first time in 17 months in July on increased output and new orders.
The Caixin Manufacturing Purchasing Managers' index rose to 50.6, beating market expectations. Figures above 50 indicate expansion.
Analysts say the difference between the private and official surveys was caused by different samples.
Official figures cover wider-spread businesses with different scales, while the private survey focuses more on companies in the eastern part of China.