BEIJING, Dec. 1 -- China's factory activity slowed in November as domestic and international demand remains sluggish while winter is normally a slack season for production.

China's manufacturing purchasing mangers' index (PMI) came in at 49.6 in November, down from 49.8 in October, according to data released on Tuesday by the National Bureau of Statistics and the China Federation of Logistics and Purchasing.

A reading above 50 indicates expansion, while that below 50 represents contraction.

The production sub-index posted at 51.9 in November, down from 52.2 in October. The sub-index for new orders came at 49.8, back to contraction territory from 50.3 seen in October.