People's Liberation Army media day

Dozens of men kicked, punched and leapt their way through a wrestling and fighting display Photograph: Dan Chung

Individual interviews were allowed as soldiers lined up in a row in front of the media Photograph: Dan Chung

Members of the media pose with members of the Third Guard Division Photograph: Dan Chung

The soldiers are gearing up for the National Day Parade on 1 October to mark 60 years of Communist party rule Photograph: Dan Chung

There was a sneak view of the dormitories, where soldiers sleep 10 to a room Photograph: Dan Chung

There was a visit to the firing range where soldiers peppered targets that revealed a welcome message Photograph: Dan Chung

The PLA numbers 2.3 million personnel in total Photograph: Dan Chung

Soldiers exchanged fire with fleeing black-clad 'terrorists' and stormed their hideout Photograph: Dan Chung

While officers emphasised the shift from 'mechanisation' to 'informatisation', the displays were distinctly old-school. Watching soldiers pounding at keyboards might have lacked the same impact Photograph: Dan Chung