A "live house" refers to a small indoor venue for music performances, and attending live shows has become a popular lifestyle. For the elderly residents of Guangzhou, a century ago, a "live house" existed where the songs sung here have spanned a hundred years, remaining timeless. This place is the "Wing Wah Tea House", the only existing time-honored Cantonese opera teahouse in Guangzhou.
Wing Wah Tea House, located on Longjin East Road in Liwan District, Guangzhou Province, was established in 1876 and turns 148 years old this year. Initially a brick-and-wood structure, Wing Wah Tea House underwent renovations in 1993, transforming into a four-story building with a stage on the third floor for theatrical performances by opera troupes. This type of Cantonese opera performance hosted in a teahouse setting is called a Cantonese opera teahouse.
The Cantonese opera teahouse combines the ritual of "One cup, two pieces" with the elegance of Cantonese musical artistry. The peak performance hours at Wing Wah Tea House are in the afternoon, attracting not only regular patrons but also opera aficionados who cherish this cultural connection. Here, tea fosters friendships, and the allure of this traditional live house occasionally draws young people to experience its charm.
The creation of Cantonese opera mostly stems from classic folk stories, covering themes from personal emotions to national sentiments. For over a century, the Cantonese opera melodies at Wing Wah Tea House have resonated with life's joys and sorrows. During leisure time, why not visit Wing Wah Tea House's Cantonese opera spot to experience the charm of the traditional live house?
Source | Yangcheng Evening News
