Beijing - China's two main stock market indices soared by more than 3 per cent Wednesday after an overnight climb on Wall Street spurred regional gains across Asia.

The key Shanghai Composite Index, which tracks shares traded in foreign and local currencies, closed at 1,760.61 after gaining 53.91 points, or 3.16 per cent.

The smaller Shenzhen Composite Index also climbed by 3.04 per cent, or 13.88 points, to end the day at 470.86.

The total turnover of the two markets rose to 51.36 billion yuan (7.55 billion dollars) from 34.8 billion yuan Tuesday, state media said.

The markets were also boosted by reports that the transport ministry was working on a plan to invest 5 trillion yuan (730 billion dollars) over the next three to five years, the Shanghai Daily newspaper said.

Construction-related firms were among the big gainers Wednesday after the government approved a plan last month to spend 2 trillion yuan (290 billion dollars) on the construction of roads, waterways and harbours, the newspaper said.

It said analysts believed the government's moves would help to promote employment and domestic consumption. (dpa)