The Hang Seng Index rose 0.16 percent, or 41.60 points, to 26,017.84 in opening trade.

The benchmark Shanghai Composite Index gained 0.41 percent, or 11.46 points, to open at 2,789.02. The Shenzhen Composite Index, which tracks stocks on China's second exchange, added 0.61 percent, or 9.15 points, to open at 1,499.45.