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A series of small blasts have killed at least one person outside a provincial office of the ruling Communist Party in northern China, the BBC reported, citing state media. 

The blasts in Taiyuan in Shanxi province appeared to have been caused by home-made bombs, Xinhua reported.

It said eight people had been injured and two cars damaged.

Photos posted on social media showed smoke and several fire engines at the scene of the incident, which happened around 07:40 local time (23:40 GMT).

"Several small explosive devices went off at Taiyuan's Yingze Street near the provincial party office," Shanxi police said in a post on their verified microblog.

"Provincial leaders went to the scene immediately, and police are currently investigating the case," the post added.

Steel balls were found scattered at the scene, suggesting they had been used in a homemade bomb, Xinhua reported.

The explosive devices were hidden in roadside flower beds, according to Chinese state television.

However, two witnesses told Xinhua they saw a minivan exploding, sending car debris flying.

Eyewitnesses also told Xinhua they heard "seven loud blasts", and saw a large amount of smoke at the site.