Sit back, take a sip of tea, and enjoy Cantonese opera at a teahouse, a traditional way to relax for locals in Guangzhou. Sadly, however, the Tong Le Teahouse is the only teahouse of its kind left in Yuexiu District of the city, where opera performances will be given every day at 3 o'clock in the afternoon.

Rather than public performance venues such as theatres, some 70 teahouses could be found hosting Cantonese opera performances, including quite a few time-honored brands, during the art form's golden age back in the late 1990s. But times have changed.

With only one teahouse remaining now, appreciative fans always like to tip their favorite performers as a long-time tradition.

As a highly stylized dramatic production that has been popular in southern China since the 13th century, the conservation of Cantonese opera is crucial. 

Not only can numerous festivals featuring Chinese folk art forms be seen nowadays, China’s colleges have also offered bachelor degrees in Chinese opera, which aim to keep such a performing art alive.

“After the retirement of these performers, a teahouse like this might eventually vanish,” said a 24-year-old attendee who was considered the youngest among many that came here not only to enjoy the food, but more importantly, to appreciate the rich cultural atmosphere.