The Chinese government released third-quarter GDP data on Wednesday showing the recovery of the world's second-largest economy slowed down amid a prolonged slump in the real estate sector.

The National Bureau of Statistics says gross domestic product increased 4.9 percent in the July-to-September period from the same period last year.

That compares to growth of 6.3 percent in the previous quarter. Beijing strictly restricted people's activities last year to stop the spread of the coronavirus.

Sales of furniture and household appliances were sluggish as the property slump dragged on. Exports also remained weak.

The slowdown came despite a continued recovery in the service sector, including restaurants. People took trips during the first summer break since China ended its zero-COVID policy.

Beijing has introduced measures to boost domestic demand and revive the housing sector, including easing mortgage policies, but with little impact so far.