Chinese stocks reversed the downward trend of the previous trading day to end higher Wednesday, led by auto makers and gold producers.

The benchmark Shanghai Composite Index rose 0.44 percent, or 11.52points, to end at 2,638.52 points.

The Shenzhen Stock Index climbed 0.37 percent, or 39.68 points, to 10,870.38 points.

Total turnover shrank to 209.53 billion yuan (31.27 billion U.S. dollars) from 241.68 billion yuan on the previous trading day.

Gainers outnumbered losers by 623 to 214 in Shanghai and 662 to 298 in Shenzhen.