China hits a landmark figure as internet users move away from personal computers
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The rise of the smartphone Image: According to data gathered by the China Internet Network Information Center (CNNIC the number of people using mobile devices - like smartphones and tablets - has overtaken those using traditional PCs or laptops.
The number of internet users rose 2.3% to 623m in June, with 83% using mobile devices, compared to 81% using PCs.
By the end of 2013, there were already 500m mobile internet users in China, a number that has now risen to some 527m users. The number of mobile shoppers also surged by 42% in the same period. Mobile payments, online banking and mobile travel booking also shot up by 63.4%, 56.4% and 65.4%, respectively.
E-commerce firms like Alibaba Group and JD.com are keen to capitalise on the rise of mobile internet, with both firms promotiing on-the-go offerings and discounts heavily.
The figure is a landmark in the world's most populous country as it demonstrates a significant change in the way people access information, shop and communicate with others online.