This is the bizarre moment an adult deer wandered through a curious crowd in the middle of traffic just like it had stopped to ask for directions.

Footage shows the majestic animal with impressive antlers calmly observing the gathered onlookers beside a street in Dalian, in Liaoning Province, north-eastern China.

Pedestrians with their pets and children had all approached the spotted deer that stood still and quiet despite the number of humans around it.

The woman who filmed the video, Miss Huang, said she was astonished by the sight of the sika deer freely roaming near a bustling vegetable market.

Huang said the animal was so gentle that it even allowed some of the bystanders to pet it.

She explained that the market is located near Lianhua Mountain, which serves as a habitat for a group of wild sika deer.

Miss Huang said that many locals go up the mountain to feed the sika deer, making them familiar with humans and even unafraid of close human encounters.

Therefore, she said it is not uncommon for deer to occasionally come down to the city and 'mingle' with the residents.

The Sika deer (Cervus nippon) is a medium-sized deer species native to East Asia.

Also referred to as the 'spotted deer' or 'nippon', it has a distinctive coat featuring spots that gradually disappear as the deer matures.

Known for their adaptability, Sika deer have been introduced to various regions worldwide, including Europe and North America.

They inhabit diverse environments such as forests, grasslands, and marshes, displaying a versatile diet that includes grasses, herbs, and shrubs.