Hong Kong stocks surged more than two percent on Thursday to an 11-month high as traders returned from the long holiday break to extend the year's rally, which has been fuelled by hopes over China's reopening and easing interest rate fears.

The Hang Seng Index climbed 2.4 percent or 522 points to 22,566, its highest since the start of March 2022.

Mainland markets were closed for the Lunar New Year break. (AFP)