Hong Kong and Shanghai stocks ended with healthy gains on Thursday as traders welcomed a Chinese central bank move to provide billions of dollars in liquidity to institutions in a bid to boost markets.

The Hang Seng Index rallied 3 percent, or 614 points, to 21,251.

The Shanghai Composite Index advanced 1.3 percent, or 43 points, to 3,301, but the Shenzhen Composite Index dipped 0.4 percent, or 7 points, to 1,910. (AFP)