The Hang Seng Index dipped 0.27 percent, or 71.00 points, to 26,160.54 at the open.

The benchmark Shanghai Composite Index dipped 0.16 percent, or 4.53 points, to 2,875.47 and the Shenzhen Composite Index, which tracks stocks on China's second exchange, lost 0.22 percent, or 3.40 points, to 1,570.72.