Other cryptos were also caught up the big sell-off: Ethereum fell about 10% while Dogecoin dove 25 per cent, erasing all of its gains since April.
All six companies said in statements issued after the central bank announcement that no institutions or individuals are allowed to use their platforms for any crypto-related activity.
Over the weekend, Chinese state media reported that the southwestern Chinese province of Sichuan ordered a halt to all crypto mining operations and cut off the power supply to many mining facilities.