In 2006, checking e-mail, online news sites and search engines are the most popular online activities in China, according to data from the China Internet Network Information Center.

E-mailing is the most popular – with more than 55 percent of the Chinese online population do so. Reading online news and using search engines are also popular – with 53.5 percent and 51.5 percent do so.

Over four out of 10 Chinese online users said they obtain information online about products, services, jobs and others.

Downloading film, music or files, and using instant messaging are popular among three out of 10.

Playing online games, shopping online and blogging are relatively less popular – only about 20 to 30 percent do so, according to China Internet Network Information Center.