China's economic activity weakened in July as industrial production, retail sales and investment all registered weak growth.

Industrial production grew 6 percent year-on-year in July, slower than the 6.2 percent increase seen in June. The annual growth was expected to remain unchanged at 6.2 percent.

On a monthly basis, industrial output gained 0.52 percent.

At the same time, retail sales climbed 10.2 percent on a yearly basis, following a 10.6 percent rise in June. Sales were forecast to grow 10.5 percent.

In the January to July period, fixed asset investment moved up 8.1 percent compared to a 9 percent expansion seen during January to June. Economists had forecast 8.9 percent growth.

Julian Evans-Pritchard at Capital Economics, said the downbeat investment figures raise questions over the efficacy of the recent policy easing - RTT.