HONG KONG (AFP) -- Hong Kong share prices closed 1.23 percent higher Wednesday as select blue chips, notably China Mobile and China Life, staged a technical rebound following steep losses Tuesday, dealers said.

They said a strong rally on the Japanese stock market and positive U.S. economic data underpinned the gains, while some end-quarter window-dressing activity also provided support.

The Hang Seng Index closed up 213.43 points at 17,521.51, off a low of 17,402.13 and a high of 17,540.67. Turnover was 31.83 billion Hong Kong dollars (4.1 billion U.S.).