The Hang Seng Index gained 173.47 points, or 0.91 percent, to open at 19,302.57 points on Thursday.

The mainland, which unveiled monetary stimulus actions earlier in the week, has announced new steps to lift youth employment and bolster worker protection.

Markets are also looking ahead to Friday's personal consumption expenditures data, which is closely reviewed by the Federal Reserve to monitor inflation. (with additional reporting from Xinhua and Reuters)