The blue-chip CSI300 index was up 0.85%, with its financial sector sub-index climbing 0.58%, the consumer staples sector up 0.09%, the real estate index down 0.52% and the healthcare sub-index up 0.71%.
The smaller Shenzhen index ended up 1.26% and the start-up board ChiNext Composite index closed 1.38% higher.
Risk sentiment in A-shares' trading was partially lifted by vaccine hopes as the benchmark index opened higher, Kaiyuan Securities' analyst Tian Weidong said, adding that investors were also bargain hunting for undervalued banking and insurance shares.
Shanghai-listed information and technology shares posted gains and added to the benchmark's strength, with Sanan Optoelectronics Co surging by the daily limit of 10%.