Hamilton, who was already due to serve a five-place grid penalty after a gearbox change for the third round of the championship, encountered more troubles with his Mercedes in qualifying.
The 31-year-old Briton, yet to win this season, took to the Shanghai International Circuit for the opening phase of qualifying but soon returned to his garage reporting a lack of power from his engine.
His Mercedes mechanics were unable to resolve the problem, and Hamilton was knocked out in last position after he failed to set a time.
VIDEO ? Go onboard for the lap that secured @nico_rosberg the 23rd pole of his career >> https://t.co/Px3Hl9k4uc pic.twitter.com/0lnDAH4YbU
— Formula 1 (@F1) April 16, 2016