SHANGHAI - Bitcoin traded above $35,000 for the first time in Asia on Wednesday, rising to a high of $35,879 and extending a rally that has seen the digital currency rise more than 800% since mid-March.

The world's most popular cryptocurrency crossed $20,000 for the first time ever on Dec. 16.

(Reporting by Andrew Galbraith; Editing by Jacqueline Wong) ((Andrew.Galbraith@tr.com; +86 21 2083 0079; Reuters Messaging: andrew.galbraith.thomsonreuters.com@reuters.net ; Twitter: https://twitter.com/apgalbraith))