Chinese stocks opened 3 percent lower from the previous closing and broke the 1,700-point mark on Tuesday amid slump global markets.

The benchmark Shanghai Composite Index opened at 1671.40 points, down 51.95 points or 3 percent from the previous closing. It was the lowest level since September 2006.

The smaller Shenzhen Component Index opened at 5589.31 points, down 145.5 points or 2.5 percent from the previous closing 5734.81 points.

On Monday, Chinese shares plunged 6.32 percent amid concerns over economic slowdown.

(Xinhua News Agency October 28, 2008)