The benchmark Hang Seng Index dropped 169.68 points to 23,447.34 on turnover of HK$68.88 billion ($8.84 billion).

However Shanghai's Composite Index climbed 1.38 percent, with resources stocks gaining on rising commodity prices and water company stocks rising on upbeat earnings outlooks, dealers said.

The Shanghai Composite Index, which covers both A and B shares, was up 37.94 points at 2,790.69 on turnover of 106.8 billion yuan ($16.2 billion).