SHANGHAI (Dow Jones)--China's shares rose sharply Friday, ending a six-day losing streak because of hopes Beijing would take measures to prop up stock prices, while New China Life Insurance's stronger-than-expected debut also lent support.

The Shanghai Composite Index, which tracks both A and B shares, ended up 2.0%, or 43.94 points, at 2224.84, following a 6.5% cumulative loss in the past six sessions. The Shenzhen Composite Index rose 2.8%, or 24.34 points, to 910.35.