Beijing - Market shares in China reached the highest level in a month on Wednesday.

The Shanghai composite index climbed 4.82 per cent to 3,693.11, the highest level in a month.

Riding the surge are Chinese banks who reported strong first-quarter results.

The Shenzhen Composite Index, which tracks the smaller domestic stock exchange, was up 4.84 per cent, to 13504,89 points.

It was the last day of trading for the week due to the May Day holidays. The market reopens on Monday. (dpa)