China is shutting down a number of "unofficial" churches near the site of the G20 summit, according to reports coming in from the country.

Large religious activities have also been banned to create a "safe environment" according to state media.

The meetings are due to begin in September in Hangzhou in eastern Zhejiang, the most Christian part of the nation, and world leaders are expected to attend.

The Telegraph has reported that one area will be banned from "holding large-scale activities from July 1st to September 9th."

Authorities in China have also begun shutting down Christian house churches too.

There are an estimated 97 million Christians in China.

Zhejiang has been an area particularly targeted by government since a vigorous process of cross removal since 2013.

The authorities claim the removal is for health and safety reasons.