BEIJING, Aug. 31 -- The purchasing managers' index (PMI) for China's non-manufacturing sector came in at 50.3 in August, up from 50.1 in the previous month, official data showed Sunday.

A reading above 50 indicates expansion, while below 50 reflects contraction.

The sub-index for the construction sector came in at 49.1 in August, down from 50.6 in the previous month, according to the National Bureau of Statistics.

The sub-index for the service sector stood at 50.5 in August, up from 50 in July, according to the data.

Business activity indices for sectors of railway, water and air transportation; telecom, radio, television and satellite transmission services; and capital market services stood above 60, indicating rapid expansion.

In contrast, business activity indices for industries including retailing and real estate were below the boom-bust line.