A-Share Opening Hours: 2025 Guide & Trading Strategies

As the stock market of mainland China, the A-share market holds a pivotal position for global investors. Mastering A-share opening hours means capturing 60% of the day’s volatility! Taiwanese investors can automatically sync Taipei time with Shanghai and Shenzhen trading sessions through a secure and stable trading platform, precisely targeting policy-driven market opportunities.

Introduction to A-Shares

A-shares, also known as RMB ordinary shares, refer to common stocks of companies registered in mainland China and listed on Chinese stock exchanges, traded and settled in Renminbi. Under the current system, A-shares are non-physical, paperless securities with electronic registration, follow a T+1 settlement mechanism, and are subject to price fluctuation limits. Investors include Chinese institutions and individuals. A-shares are traded on the Shanghai Stock Exchange, Shenzhen Stock Exchange, and Beijing Stock Exchange.

Why Do A-Share Opening Hours Move Global Capital? 3 Key Data Points Explained

As the world’s second-largest stock market by market capitalization (as of the close on March 18, 2025, total market cap of A-shares exceeded USD 14.22 trillion), China’s A-share market has become a staple in global investment portfolios. The proportion of A-shares held by foreign investors has increased for three consecutive years, reaching RMB 4.2 trillion in Q1 2024, highlighting its strategic importance. For Taiwanese investors, A-share opening hours not only affect the performance of Chinese concept stocks but are also highly correlated with Taiwan’s tech supply chain, such as semiconductors and electronic components.

► Why Should You Pay Attention to A-Share Opening Hours?

•       Volatility Peak: The morning session (09:30–11:30) accounts for 45% of total daily trading volume, with the sharpest price movements.

•       Policy-Sensitive Window: Chinese authorities often release major news during the midday break (11:30–13:00), directly affecting afternoon trading.

•       Taiwan Correlation Effect: Around 32% of Taiwan-listed companies’ revenue comes from the Chinese market, meaning A-share performance directly influences related sectors in the Taiwan stock market.

2024 Updated A-Share Market Hours: Detailed Guide to Shanghai and Shenzhen Exchange Rules

Regular Trading Sessions (Monday to Friday)

Understand A-Share Trading Hours Compared with Taipei Time at a Glance:

► Key Notes for Taiwanese Investors

•       After-Hours Trading: 15:05–15:30 offers "closing price trades," applicable to STAR Market stocks.

•       Night Orders: Some brokers (e.g., Ultima Markets) offer next-day pre-order functions, allowing order placement after 21:00 Taipei time. 

Special Conditions Affecting A-Share Market Hours

1. National Holidays and Market Closures

China’s official public holidays, such as Spring Festival and National Day, affect the A-share trading calendar. Investors should follow official announcements for detailed closure schedules.

2. Temporary Adjustments in A-Share Market

Under special circumstances—such as major policy announcements or abnormal market volatility—the exchange may temporarily adjust trading hours. Investors should closely monitor related announcements and adjust their trading strategies accordingly.

2025 Updated Holiday Calendar & Risk-Response Strategy

①. 2025 Mainland China Public Holidays (Market Closure Dates)

•       Spring Festival: Jan 28 (Tue) – Feb 3 (Mon), 7 days closed; Feb 4 is a make-up workday but still closed

•       National Day: Oct 1 (Wed) – Oct 7 (Tue), 7 days closed

•       Other Extended Holidays:

Tomb Sweeping Festival: Apr 4 (Fri) – Apr 6 (Sun), 3 days closed; Apr 7 is a make-up workday but market remains closed

Labor Day: May 1 (Thu) – May 5 (Mon), 5 days closed; Apr 27 & May 10 are workdays but market closed

Dragon Boat Festival: Est. May 31 (Sat) – Jun 2 (Mon), 3 days closed; May 30 (Fri) normal trading day

► Hedging Tip: Use Ultima Markets to position ahead of closures and track global market sentiment during the break.

②. Contingency Measures for Unexpected Events

•       Typhoon/Natural Disasters: If a red alert is issued in Shanghai or Shenzhen, the local exchange may delay opening or suspend trading.

•       Systemic Risks: Referencing the June 2023 case of brokerage system failure, it's recommended to use a secure and stable platform to ensure uninterrupted trading. 

Taiwan Investors’ Practical Guide: 3 Strategies to Master the A-Share Opening Time Gap

Strategy 1: Track Overnight Chinese ADRs in Early Trading

•       Strategy logic: The closing performance of Chinese ADRs in the U.S. market (such as Alibaba and Pinduoduo) directly affects the opening sentiment of related A-share stocks.

•       Tool application: Subscribe to Ultima Markets' "Trading Central" newsletter for one-click insights into global economic data, policy updates, and market sentiment.

Strategy 2: Decode Policies During the Golden 1.5-Hour Midday Break

•       Key timing: 11:30–13:00 (Taipei time) is when the PBOC and NDRC frequently announce monetary policies.

•       Example: After a reserve requirement ratio (RRR) cut was announced in January 2024, bank stocks surged 2.3% at the A-share afternoon opening.

Strategy 3: Monitor Northbound Capital Flow Before Market Close

•       Data application: When northbound capital (foreign investment) nets over RMB 5 billion between 14:45 and 15:00, the next-day A-share rally probability is as high as 68%.

•       Automation tool: Set up "Real-time Northbound Monitoring" to trigger preset trading instructions once daily inflows exceed a defined threshold.

 Three Exclusive Ultima Markets Tools: Must-Haves for A-Share Investors

To succeed in the stock market, you need not only a reliable trading platform but also professional tools. Unlike traditional brokers, Ultima Markets has launched a suite of tools specifically designed around A-share trading hours to enhance investor experience.

1.     Smart Time Zone Conversion:

￮      Automatically converts A-share trading hours to your local time, with push notifications 15 minutes in advance.

￮      Supports "time zone selection for pending orders" to avoid missing auction opportunities due to time differences.

2.     Policy Event Heatmap:

￮      Marks key events like earnings reports, Two Sessions agendas, and MSCI rebalancing.

￮      Utilize the “Taiwan Supply Chain Impact Index” to assess the ripple effects of A-share volatility on individual Taiwan stocks.

3.     Pre-Market Sentiment Indicator:

￮      Combines 10 datasets including Weibo trends, state media editorials, and futures positioning to forecast opening price direction.

￮      Backtesting shows a 79.6% accuracy rate (Q4 2023 data).

► Practical Use: Use the Trade Up Calculator to input your expected entry point and risk preference, and instantly generate a "30-Minute A-Share Opening Strategy Plan." 

Taiwan Investors’ FAQ: All You Need to Know About A-Share Trading Hours

Q1: Is the A-share market open on weekends? Can I trade A-shares when the Taiwan market is closed?

→ The A-share market is closed on Saturdays and Sundays, but investors can still participate via the FTSE China A50 Futures. Ultima Markets supports 24-hour holiday trading and ensures liquidity coverage.

Q2: Is there a time difference between Taipei and A-share market opening hours?

→ No time difference! Both Beijing and Taipei fall under the GMT+8 time zone, so trading hours align directly.

Q3: How can I stay updated on changes to A-share market opening hours?

→ Subscribe to Ultima Markets' "Trading Central" news alerts to receive synchronized updates from the Shanghai and Shenzhen Stock Exchanges, ensuring you’re always prepared for real-time market moves.

Mastering A-Share Opening Hours Is Your Cross-Border Advantage

The opening hours of the A-share market are not only the window for executing trades but also a key indicator for interpreting policy signals and capital sentiment. Investors should closely monitor market movements and strategically schedule trading sessions to maximize efficiency. With the support of professional platforms like Ultima Markets and smart tools such as economic calendars, you gain full access to market intelligence and top-tier trading services—giving you a first-mover advantage. Register now with Ultima Markets to start using the Smart A-Share Trading Toolkit.