Hong Kong protesters scaled the city's Lion Rock peak and hoisted a large statue they called "Lady Liberty" early Sunday to rally anti-government activists ahead of more planned demonstrations in the Asian financial hub.

The 3-meter (nine-foot) statue, wearing a gas mask, helmet and protective goggles, was carried up the 500-meter peak in the dead of night by several dozen protesters, some wearing head lamps, during an overnight thunderstorm.

It held a black banner that read "Revolution of our time, Liberate Hong Kong" and could be seen from the city below.