Chinese had sex 122 times on an average last year in contrast with the worldwide figure of 103, said the survey, which however found them to be the 'shyest lovers' in the world as 44 per cent do not talk with partners on how they feel and what they like in bed.

Four in five Chinese couples said they had sex every week, and 36 per cent three times a week or more, with 70 per cent saying they were not satisfied and could do more, according to the survey, which said it polled more than 26,000 people in 26 countries and regions on the Internet in July and August last year. It, however, did not say how many Chinese were interviewed.

More than 64 per cent of Chinese interviewees said they often had sex massages in bed and 63 per cent resorted to fantasies, while three in five said they often used sex toys.

Chinese also had fewer sex partners. A Chinese man had an average of four partners and a woman two, when contrasted with the global figures of 13 and seven, the survey said.

But the survey by condom maker Durex has drawn skepticism from some Chinese sexologists, who doubted its credibility.

"The frequency of a Chinese having sex a year, as suggested by the survey, is definitely too high," said Min Lefu, President of the Beijing Sex Education Society.

He feels the pollsters may have focused more attention on Chinese living in the economically developed coastal areas and who can afford Internet access. "They are more open-minded in general about sex," he said.

But there is much difference in people's sexual habits between coastal areas and the inland, the cities and the countryside, and summer and winter.

"All these elements should be taken into account," he said.