Tourists found an unlikely but dangerous attraction - riding a floating pontoon as huge waves crashed against them.

Footage shows the holidaymakers wearing life vests while standing on the temporary pier off the coast of southern China, on August 27.

Waves up to 8ft high break onto the pontoon, creating a rollercoaster effect as the surface rises and falls with the water.

Visitors have taken to standing on the plastic dock to enjoy the thrill. However, the dangers could see them dragged into the ocean and pulled away by rip tides.

Locals said they were unaware of the makeshift water ride near the Daqingshan Island Ecological Park in Zhoushan, a popular holiday spot some three hours south of Shanghai.

But one visitor said: 'This is more fun than the glass walkway. It's a lot scarier.'

The strong waves have been caused by recent stormy weather which has brought heavy rain to parts of China.

While the pier itself was installed for tourists to board speedboats ferrying them to and from the coast.