Shares in Hong Kong and Shanghai soared more than four percent on Tuesday after China unveiled a slew of measures aimed at kickstarting the struggling economy.

The Hang Seng Index rallied 4.1 percent, or 753 points, to close at 19,000.

The Shanghai Composite Index surged 4.2 percent, or 114 points, to 2,863, while the Shenzhen Component Index closed 4.4 percent higher at 8,435.

"The market shot up just like a rocket. The Heng Seng Index reached 19,000 for the second time this year. There is optimism in the stock market and also in the economy. That fuelled the rally today," said Francis Lun, chief executive of GEO securities.

"But of course, we have to wait to see the economic figures. See if one month later, the measures have their desired effect."

The stimulus measures include cutting the amount of cash banks must hold in reserve and lowering a key interest rate. (Additional reporting by AFP)