Beijing, China (BBN)-Chinese shares have opened lower on fears of further market volatility and ahead of economic data expected to point to a further slowdown in the world's second-largest economy.
The mainland's benchmark Shanghai composite was 2.9 per cent lower to 3,139.12, reports BBC.
In Hong Kong, the Hang Seng followed the mainland's lead, 0.4 per cent lower to 21,528.59 points.
Last week, Chinese shares tumbled dramatically, sparking turmoil in stock markets around the world.
Elsewhere, Japan's benchmark Nikkei 225 was 0.8 per cent down to 18,988.51 in early trade.
Traders in Tokyo were also taking in some weaker-than-expected economic data on the Japanese economy.
The country's factory output was down by 0.6 per cent in July from the previous month.
Japan's exports have been suffering from falling demand in neighbouring China.
South Korea also had fresh economic data to digest, struggling with the same problem as Japan.
Industrial output fell as exports in the region's fourth largest economy continue to lag because of sluggish global demand.
The country's benchmark Kospi index fell 0.2 per cent to 1,934.06 points.
Polls show business sentiment is pessimistic about the outlook for September with no expectations for a quick recovery for the crucial export sector.
Australia's S&P/ASX 200 followed the region's trend and was also lower by 0.9 per cent to 5,217.10 points.
BBN/SK/AD