Chinese gangster Cheng Youze looked a picture of content on his release from prison as he marched through a guard of honour made up of 120 burly men as 20 Land Rovers, 30 Mercedes and six Hummers waited to take the entourage to a huge party at a five star hotel.

But after pictures emerged online of his over-the-top homecoming, the seasoned criminal found himself back behind bars, as enraged authorities vowed to clampdown on the "rampant arrogance" of his gang.

It may have been Cheng’s third spell inside, but he was clearly keen to enjoy his latest ‘first’ taste of freedom following a seven year prison term in the northern Chinese city of Jincheng, a video released in Chinese media showed.

Images of hundreds of people attending a huge banquet for the 52-year-old at a nearby five star hotel went viral on Chinese social media.

“The party for Cheng's release drew attention not only from the public but also from the authorities,” The Global Times newspaper said.