A shocking incident at China’s Mount Emei scenic area in Sichuan province has sparked public outrage after a tourist was caught on video allegedly attempting to push a monkey off a cliff.
According to the Emei Mountain Scenic Area Management Committee, the man has since been identified and placed on a “bad behaviour tourist blacklist”, banning him from entering the site for three years.
The incident reportedly occurred on 5 May when a monkey was seen sitting calmly on a railing near a cliff edge, eating an orange. A young male tourist, believed to be in his 20s and wearing glasses, was then seen approaching cautiously before suddenly using both hands to shove the animal.
The monkey was startled and briefly lost balance, almost falling off the edge. However, it managed to grab onto the railing at the last moment, preventing a fall. It then quickly fled to safety.
Footage of the incident quickly went viral on social media, drawing widespread condemnation from netizens who criticised the man’s actions and called for stricter punishment, with some even demanding a lifetime ban from major tourist sites.
The management committee confirmed that forestry and public security authorities have launched an investigation into the matter and will pursue legal responsibility where necessary.
Legal experts cited in local reports said that if the animal had been killed, the act could constitute illegal harm to protected wildlife under Chinese law.
The case has reignited debate over tourist behaviour and wildlife protection in popular scenic destinations.
