The benchmark Hang Seng Index gained 196.38 points to 18,968.20 on turnover of HK$59.98 billion ($7.71 billion).

Chinese shares closed up 1.66 percent. The Shanghai Composite Index, which covers both A and B shares, was up 39.34 points at 2,409.67 on turnover of 83.6 billion yuan ($13.2 billion).