BEIJING (AFP) - China will launch its first ever moon rover mission on Monday, state media have announced.

A rocket carrying the vehicle, named "Jade Rabbit" in a nod to Chinese folklore, will blast off at 01:30 am local time.

"The Chang'e 3 is set to be launched for its moon mission from the Xichang Satellite Launch Center on December 2," state broadcaster CCTV said on its verified Twitter account on Saturday.