BEIJING -- Chinese stocks fell to the lowest levels since March 2009 on Thursday, as mounting concerns over a slowing economy and a standstill of the European bailout talks continued to weigh on investors.

The benchmark Shanghai Composite Index slumped 1.94 percent, or 46.15points, to close at 2,331.37, the lowest level since March 2009.

The Shenzhen Component Index suffered heavier losses by plunging 3.06 percent, or 309.51 points, to close at 9,796.23, breaching the key 10,000 mark and set a new low since June 2010.