Chinese shares rose for a fifth day to a 12-week high Thursday, extending gains on optimism about the countrys economic recovery.

The benchmark Shanghai Composite Index edged up 26.52 points, or 0.9 percent, to close at 3,155.05. The Shenzhen Composite Index for Chinas smaller second exchange added 0.4 percent to 1,117.23.

"Investors in general were optimistic because stimulus-driven investment will keep companies profitable through out the year," said Mao Nan, an analyst for Oriental Securities in Shanghai.

The U.S. Federal Reserves decision to leave a key interest rate unchanged had little impact on Chinese markets, analysts said.

The World Bank on Wednesday raised its forecast for Chinas economic growth this year from 7.2 percent to 8.4 percent, reflecting the countrys massive stimulus measures.

Financial and resources, shares closely linked with economic growth, helped to boost the benchmark.

Industrial & Commercial Bank of China Ltd., Chinas biggest commercial lender, added 1.4 percent to 5.27 yuan. Bank of China Ltd. gained 1.2 percent to 4.2 yuan, while China Construction Bank Ltd. rose 0.7 percent to 6 yuan.

China Petroleum & Chemical Corp., or Sinopec, the regions biggest refiner, climbed by 1.7 percent to 12.22 yuan after it announced Thursday it has reached a preliminary gas purchasing agreement with Exxon Mobil Corp. PetroChina Ltd., Asias biggest gas and oil producer, rose 1.3 percent to 13.77 yuan.

Shanghai-based companies climbed on hopes the announcement of plans for a Disney theme park in the city will boost the property and tourism industries.

Shanghai Waigaoqiao Free Trade Zone surged the daily 10 percent limit to 19.79 yuan, while China Intl Travel Service Corp. advanced 6.3 percent to 17.12 yuan.

In currency markets, the yuan weakened to 6.8275 to the U.S. dollar, down from Wednesdays close of 6.8270.