Guangzhou powered to a 4-1 victory at home to Liaoning Whowin, fired ahead by golden boot leader Elkeson's 14th goal of the season before three second-half strikes sealed the points.

Lucas Barrios scored the third and fourth goals for the league leaders, before Edu – second behind Elkeson in the scoring charts – put his 10th on the board with a 90th-minute consolation for Liaoning.

Guangzhou Evergrande have a game in hand on Shandong, who edged Shanghai SIPG 1-0 at home.

Wang Yongpo scored the game's only goal in the 58th minute, as Shandong kept consecutive clean sheets.

Guizhou Renhe won their third straight to move into third, with a 3-2 home victory over Guangzhou R&F.

Beijing Guoan slipped to fourth after conceding a 90th-minute equaliser to draw 2-2 with Tianjin Teda.

Dalian Aerbin gave up a two-goal lead to draw 2-2 with Changchun Yatai equalising in the 90th minute via Jiang Zhe.

Shanghai Shenhua came from behind twice, defying two penalties from Lu Bofei to earn a 2-2 draw away to Jiangsu Sainty.

Qingdao Jonoon could only draw 0-0 at home to Shanghai Shenxin before Wuhan Zall climbed off bottom spot and out of the relegation zone with a 1-0 win over Hangzhou.