Hong Kong stocks fell at the start of trade on Monday morning as profit-takers moved in after recent gains, while Shanghai rallied as mainland investors returned from a week-long break.

The Hang Seng Index slipped 0.48 percent to 22,579.

The Shanghai Composite Index jumped 1.35 percent, or 44.06 points, to 3,308, while the Shenzhen Composite Index gained 1.74 percent, or 37.02 points, to 2,162. (AFP)