Controversy as a man pretending to punch a wild monkey at a famous scenic area in southern China.

Video filmed at Mount Emei in Sichuan Province on March 3 shows a monkey suddenly attacking a man named Xie after he gently patted its shoulder.

Xie swiftly moved away and then threw several punches towards the monkey.

Another primate was seen trying to help its friend but they were both scared away by Xie.

Xie claimed that he had some experience in free fighting. So when the monkey swung at him, he reacted reflexively and engaged in the fight.

After the video went viral, it caused a heated debate online. A netizen commented: "The man provoked the monkey first, so I support the monkey."

While another said: "He might have intentionally done it for video."

However, another netizen commented: "Sometimes monkeys can be very aggressive so they should be beaten."

Xie also acknowledged his inappropriate behaviour and urged others not to follow him. "Although I held back, these are protected animals and we should be considerate of them," Xie said.

According to reports, the monkeys on Mount Emei are known for being aggressive towards tourists as they always steal their food and attack them.

The video was provided by local media with permission.

3月3日，四川峨眉山，一男子旅游时和猴子展开“互殴”，引发周围游客围观。视频显示，该男子靠在栏杆上，先是上手拍了一把猴子肩膀，猴子感觉受到了“挑衅”，瞬间出拳击打男子，男子敏捷躲开之后，摆出搏击的架势，与猴子你一拳我一掌地展开搏斗，不时还有其他猴子前来帮忙。不一会，猴子败下阵来，顺着栏杆爬下了山。双方的“搏斗”虽然激烈，但均被对方躲开，无人也无猴受伤。

4日，谢先生回应自己与猴子“互殴”一事。谢先生称，自己有练过自由搏击，猴子挥拳过来后，条件反射就与它展开了搏斗。“我还是有留手的，毕竟它们是保护动物，还得让着它们，只是吓唬一下它们。当然，这种行为肯定不对，大家千万别模仿。”谢先生表示。

据了解，峨眉山猴子以嚣张跋扈著称，经常会抢劫和攻击游客。