Nearly one third of small investors in China have fled the stock market[Photo: blog.sina.com.cn]

Official figures show nearly one third of small investors in China, more than 20 million people, has fled the turbulent stock market.

The number was revealed by China Securities Depository and Clearing Corporation, a government agency that tracks stock accounts.

The number of small investors holding stocks in their accounts slid to 51 million at the end of July from 75 million at the end of June.

Compared to June, 20 percent fewer new accounts were created in July.

Small and individual investors are major players in the Chinese stock market, holding about 80 percent of outstanding shares of public companies.