Activity in China's manufacturing sector grew more than expected in November, expanding at its strongest pace in more than two years, as the world's second-largest economy picks up momentum.

The official Purchasing Managers' Index stood at 51.7 in November, accelerating from the previous month's 51.2 and above the 50.0 mark that separates growth from contraction.

After a rocky start to the year, China's manufacturing sector has picked up in recent months, buoyed by a government infrastructure building spree and a housing boom. A jump in commodity prices has boosted profits for firms in the cement and steel industries.