This is the shocking moment a tourist was spotted fighting with a wild monkey in China.

The holidaymaker attempted to punch the macaque perched on a guardrail at a mountain in Zhangjiajie, Hunan, on December 17.

Local media reported that the mischievous animal tried to snatch the man's bag, prompting him to put up a fight in an attempt to shoo it away.

Footage shows the enraged man jabbing at the agile monkey, which skilfully dodged every hit.

Moments later, the macaque tried to grab the brown tote bag on the ground but failed to take it away as the man stepped on it.

The man reportedly did not sustain any serious injuries from the encounter.

Monkeys roam in search of food and are known to invade homes and schools to scavenge for something to eat, sometimes taking it further by attacking humans.

Monkeys, like other animals, may attack when they feel threatened. Risks from monkey bites include serious wound infections, the herpes B virus, and rabies.