A key measure of China's manufacturing activity has fallen below the boom-or-bust line for the fifth consecutive month amid weak domestic demand.

The Purchasing Managers Index for February came in at 49.1. That's down 0.1 point from the previous month. Figures below 50 represent contraction.

The National Bureau of Statistics conducts a survey on 3,200 manufacturers to compile the index. The latest reading reflects stagnant domestic demand.

A prolonged slump in the property market and difficult employment conditions are leading the slowdown.

The gauge for large companies stood at 50.4. But midsize enterprises were 49.1, and small firms were 46.4.

The readings for non-manufacturers, including service sector enterprises, improved 0.7 points to 51.4. That's largely due to growing demand for travel and dining during the Lunar New Year holidays.

The annual meeting of China's National People's Congress will kick off on Tuesday. Attention is focused on measures the government will roll out to improve the property market and boost domestic demand.