BEIJING, Feb. 23 -- Chinese equities closed lower Monday, the first trading day after the week-long traditional Spring Festival holiday.

The benchmark Shanghai Composite Index lost 0.49 percent, or 14.74 points, to 3,003.4 points.

The Shenzhen Component Index edged down 0.74 percent, or 91.24 points, to 12,213.54 points.

Chinese shares rose notably in the Year of the Ox, with the key Shanghai Composite Index advancing more than 50 percent to close at 3,018.13 points on Feb 12, the last trading day in the Year of the Ox.