Dramatic footage has emerged from China of what appears to be a large tornado tearing through a primary school playground while the children are outside during PE.

The video, filmed in Jiuquan, Gansu Province this week, shows the shocking moment the whirlwind hit the large group of children.

A still image at the end of the video also appears to show a child being lifted into the air by the tornado.

According to local reports, the child was taken to hospital as soon as possible after he fell back to the ground. He had injuries to his back and head but is expected to recover.

Dramatic footage has emerged from China of tornado rolling up a primary school kid to several metres' high in the middle of the air.

The video, captured in Jiuquan, Gansu Province on Wednesday, shows powerful tornado attacks a playground, when primary school students are having sports meeting.

We can also see from the still picture, a child is rolled up to the middle of the air by the strong tornado.

According to local news, the child was sent to hospital immediately when he fell down onto ground. Fortunately, he only had minor injury on the back of his head.