Over 1.3 million copies of the first three Harry Potter books have been sold in China, outselling the likes of Pinocchio and Alice in Wonderland, publishers have said.

Sets of the first three novels went on sale in October and now the state-run People's Literature Publishing House is preparing to launch the fourth volume, Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire, on Friday.

Publisher Liu Jing said: "We sold 1.3 million Harry Potter books, or 415,000 sets of the first three books, and now readers are demanding the next volume."

The book's launch, which will take place in 10 major cities, is set to coincide with International Children's Day.

The Chinese-language set of the first three novels is priced at 68 yuan (�5.78), but the Goblet of Fire will sell for 39 yuan (�3.32).

"It is 500 pages long, so we don't think it is too expensive, besides we will also be giving away some 20 yuan (�1.70) in promotional gifts with each book sold," said Liu Jing.

JK Rowling's series, about an orphaned wizard battling against the forces of evil, has sold over 35 million copies worldwide, and has been translated into 31 languages.

A film version of the first book, The Philosopher's Stone, is due for release in November.