Chinese shares started higher on Thursday, with the benchmark Shanghai Composite Index opening at 4,188.68 points, up 14.97 points, or 0.36 percent.

The index, which tracks both yuan-denominated A-shares and foreign currency-denominated B-shares listed on the Shanghai Stock Exchange, closed at a new record high of 4,173.71 points on Wednesday.

It has added 56 percent this year after surging 130 percent last year.

The strong gains in the stock markets have prompted the securities watchdog to be wary of trading irregularities amid efforts to prevent stock bubbles.

The China Securities Regulatory Commission (CSRC) announced Wednesday it has fined a former company manager 200,000 yuan (26,130 U.S. dollars) in the latest case of insider trading.