China's service sector growth accelerated in August, hitting a three-month high, a private survey showed Tuesday.

The Caixin General Services Purchasing Managers' Index (PMI) rose to 52.7 in August from July's 51.5, according to the survey conducted by financial information service provider Markit and sponsored by Caixin Media Co. Ltd.

A reading above 50 indicates expansion, while a reading below 50 represents contraction.