The Shanghai composite index lost 16 points at 1,168, while the Shenzhen composite index closed down 63 points at 3,066.

Hong Kong shares closed flat as the market took a breather following gains of nearly 400 points in the last two sessions. 

The Hang Seng Index closed up 6 points at 15,451.

Japan's share prices finished flat as softer-than-expected GDP data for the April-June quarter prompted some investors to lock-in gains after the benchmark Nikkei 225-stock index surged to a four-year high yesterday.

The Nikkei was down 2 points to 12,262.

Australian shares Australian shares climbed to a new closing high for the fifth straight day on Friday.

The broader all ordinaries index ended up 8 points at a record 4,432.