BEIJING - The Caixin General China Manufacturing Purchasing Managers' Index (PMI), an indicator of manufacturing activity, rose to 49.7 in March from 48 in February, a private survey showed Friday.

The reading is higher than February's five-month low, but again below the neutral 50-point level, according to the survey conducted by financial information service provider Markit and sponsored by Caixin Media Co Ltd.

A reading above 50 indicates expansion, while a reading below 50 represents contraction.