HONG KONG - Popular US evangelist Franklin Graham will visit mainland China next month at the invitation of the Chinese Protestant Church.

Graham, son of world renowned evangelist Billy Graham, is scheduled to preach at Chong Yi Church in Hangzhou - one of the most renowned and prosperous cities of China for much of the last 1,000 years. Chong Yi Church, which seats 6,000 people, is reportedly the largest church in China.

During his evangelistic tour in Hong Kong last November, Graham revealed his plan to visit mainland China, which he said has "a special place" in his heart.

"I have a common history with China," said Graham, president and CEO of the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association (BGEA) and the international Christian relief organisation Samaritan's Purse. "My mother was born in China, my grandparents were medical missionaries here, and I've been travelling here for more than 30 years."

The evangelist also recalled to the crowd how he learned to use chopsticks before knives and forks.

"I love the people of China," he added.

According to the Gospel Herald newspaper, Graham wishes to meet with church leaders in mainland China during his visit next month and have more communication with Chinese churches.

Christian Today reporter Eric Young in San Francisco contributed to this article.