Hong Kong parents are campaigning against plans to introduce lessons praising China's Communist Party rule, saying the curriculum amounts to brainwashing.

Up to 90,000 people, led by stroller-pushing parents and banner-waving children, have taken to the streets to denounce "national education" - as the subject is officially called.

According to Hong Kong’s English newspaper, “The Standard”, the National Education Parents' Concern Group raised HK$120,000 to publish an open letter in three Chinese speaking newspapers.

The group says it has the backing of 30 personalities, including outspoken Cardinal Joseph Zen Ze-kiun.

The group claims the new curriculum is “biased and outdated, with many ‘ridiculous examples’, including a vague concept of China and the Communist Party.”

The Standard says the guide allegedly ignores the concept of autonomy which Hong Kong has been granted under the Basic Law.

It has demanded that the government launch a comprehensive consultation with parents, teachers and students.

- RBG News/Newstalk ZB