BEIJING, Oct. 21 (Xinhua) -- Chinese shares closed down Thursday after economic figures released by the government showed economic expansion slowed in the third quarter from the previous two quarters and consumer price index hit a 23-month high.

The benchmark Shanghai Composite Index fell 0.68 percent, or 20.42 points, to close at 2,983.53.

The Shenzhen Component Index closed down 0.14 percent, or 18.49 points, to finish at 13,111.52.