CCTV vision has captured a wild Asian elephant in south-west China taking a two-hour border tour before dawn.

The elephant moved out of Xishuangbanna Dai Autonomous Prefecture of Yunnan Province and went for a stroll in neighbouring Laos before returning home two hours later.

Surveillance cameras at the Chahe border crossing checkpoint captured the elephant's movements.

The footage shows the elephant initially puttering towards the exit of the border checkpoint.

Upon reaching the border railing, the animal slowed down a bit and comfortably crossed the "obstacle" to Laos.

Soldiers on duty immediately dispatched two teams to look for the elephant and reminded nearby residents to keep a watchful eye.

About an hour later the elephant was again seen heading back towards the border crossing.

But this time he circumvented the railing and sneaked in by the side of it.

"It's winter now and there's not a lot of food in the forest areas. We often see wild elephants hunting for food in nearby villages," said Li Zhifu, a soldier with Chahe border-crossing checkpoint.

"This time, the elephant wandered around within our exit port but could not cause any harm because of our efforts.

"The elephant has now returned to the forest safe and sound."

Wild Asian elephants are under national protection.

China has about 300 Asian elephants, mostly living in the tropical rainforest of Yunnan Province.

Reuters