Tsinghua's students are aiming for excellence

Renowned for civil engineering and quantum physics, it is perhaps surprising to learn where one of Tsinghua University's most popular courses takes place - an underground shooting range.

Every Tuesday and Wednesday afternoon, the cracks of rifles and pistols echo around the basement of the university's sports hall as students take aim to practice the fundamentals of air gun shooting.

The 45-minute sessions are part of the university's optional courses for undergraduates and are highly coveted by the students. The 40 available spots on the 16-week program are usually snapped up within hours of the selection opening each semester.