The Hang Seng Index fell 0.45 percent, or 128.83 points, to 28.268.91.

The benchmark Shanghai Composite Index opened flat, edging 0.62 points lower to 2,943.92.

The Shenzhen Composite Index, which tracks stocks on China's second exchange, however, was also flat at the open, rising 0.46 points to 1,573.91.