Zhenqianghui Guns Club

There is something slightly disconcerting about picking up a gun anywhere, but in China it is overwhelmingly bizarre. Zhenqianghui Guns Club is Nanjing’s only shooting club, located, again somewhat incredulously, in a mall, or close to it, in the Jiaye International building (the big red one) opposite the Olympic Centre. Professional instructors are on standby to offer advice and load the guns, and yes, they are dressed in camouflage. Choose from three rifles and four side arms including the infamous Beretta that was 007’s choice in the first six Bond films. All you then have to do is select a target range (7m if you want any chance of producing the result shown in the accompanying pic) and shoot. Go at the weekend and you will need to queue a bit, but that’s what the leather couches with Union Jack cushions are for. A selection of Chinese gun magazines makes the wait interesting, if a little alarming. Price is ¥20 per shot. ID card/passport required.