what is H-shares and a-shares in China stock market

The China equity market is made up of several categories - red chips, H-shares, B-
shares and A-shares. Red chips refers to companies incorporated and listed in Hong
Kong with has at least 30% shareholding directly held either: mainland entities that
include state-owned organisations, provincial or municipal authorities in mainland China,
or companies that are controlled by mainland entities. Typically these businesses have
significant activities in China. H-shares are companies incorporated in mainland China
and listed on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange and other foreign stock exchanges. The B-
share market is made up of companies incorporated in mainland China that are traded in
the mainland B-share markets (Shanghai and Shenzhen). B shares are quoted in foreign
currencies. In the past, only foreigners were allowed to trade B shares, but since March
2001, mainlanders too can trade B shares. Finally, A-shares refers to companies
incorporated in mainland China that are traded in the mainland A-share markets. The
prices of A shares are quoted in Renminbi, and currently only mainlanders and Qualified Foreign Institutional Investors (QFII) are allowed to trade A shares