Levy leads Europe's China Open golf

French golfer Alexander Levy is the first-round leader of the European Tour's China Open, one shot clear of Spaniard Pablo Larrazabal.

French golfer Alexander Levy is the first-round leader of the European Tour's China Open. (AAP)

Alexander Levy shot a nine-under 63 on Thursday to take a one-stroke lead after the first round of the European Tour's China Open.

The Frenchman, who won the tournament in 2014, carded nine birdies in a bogey-free round at the Topwin Golf and Country Club to finish one stroke ahead of Spaniard Pablo Larrazabal.

Peter Hanson, James Morrison, Raphael Jacquelin, Dean Burmester and George Coetzee are all at five under, while a group of four golfers are tied-eighth at four under.

Jason Norris is the best-placed Australian after he carded a two-under 70 to be tied-26th. Brett Rumford is a shot further back, while Andrew Dodt and Matthew Guyatt at even par in a tie for 61st.

A host of Aussies are over par and face missing the cut.