BEIJING -- China's Manufacturing Purchasing Managers' Index rose to a final reading of 52.3 in January from 51.5 in December, reflecting increased nationwide manufacturing activity.

The reading marks a two-year high, and shows the Chinese economic recovery continued to gain momentum in January, after growth began rebounding in the fourth quarter of last year.

The data are compiled from responses of more than 420 Chinese manufacturers. The index is baselined at 50%; a reading above 50 indicates sequential expansion, a reading below indicates contraction.