Feeling less Chinese

The young generation is the main source of anti-mainland protest, a member of the Voice of Loving Hong Kong group surnamed Lau told the Global Times.

"It is probably because they can skip the study of Chinese history, this kind of education makes them feel less Chinese," he added.

Young people prefer to be called "Hong Kong Chinese" or "Hongkongers" instead of just "Chinese." Over 60 percent of 93 teenage respondents said they prefer "Hong Kong Chinese," followed by 20 percent who chose to be called "Hongkongers," and nobody said they want to be called solely "Chinese," according to Hong Kong Baptist University's report released in 2013.

Zheng Yiyan, a professor at the Chinese University of Hong Kong, suggested that the central government should sponsor young Hongkongers to study in the mainland, especially the children of Hong Kong government officials.

"It will help them to better understand the mainland," he said.

Lin Meilian contributed to this story