The Shanghai Composite Index, which covers both A and B shares, ended 45.57 points lower at 2,964.95 on turnover of 140.5 billion Yuan ($21.5 billion).

Hong Kong markets were closed for a public holiday.

Investors remained cautious amid rising inflationary pressures, a possible slowdown in economic growth and risks in overseas markets, traders said.

"People are concerned the continued rise in oil prices will push domestic inflation even higher in the coming months, which will force (China's central bank) to extend its tightening cycle," Zhu Haomin, an analyst with Soochow Securities, told Dow Jones Newswires.

Metal companies led the losses after recent strong gains.

Zhongjin Gold lost 4.4 percent to 39.24 Yuan after rising 4.5 percent Friday, while Jiangxi Copper ended 2.1 percent lower at 37.90 Yuan following a 2.7 percent gain in the previous three sessions.

Securities firms were also weak on dim expectations for the stock market's near-term performance.

Changjiang Securities shed 4.2 percent to 11.78 Yuan and Sinolink Securities fell 2.4 percent to 15.67 Yuan.