(File photo: VCG)

A hitch driver who murdered a female passenger last year stood trial at a court in East China's Zhejiang province on Friday.

Zhong Yuan, 28, pleaded guilty to robbery, rape and murder charges at the trial held in Wenzhou Intermediate People's Court.

On Aug 24, 2018, Zhong murdered a 20-year-old female passenger whom he had collected through ride-sharing platform Didi, after robbing and raping her in Yueqing city of Zhejiang.

Didi, China's largest online car-hailing and ride-sharing company, suspended its hitch service after the incident triggered public anger and concerns about safety.

The court will sentence Zhong at a later date.