A teahouse favorite

According to Wu, 50 percent of pingtan performers are under 35 years old, which keeps the art form vibrant.

Xie Lan, 28, is one such performer who will also perform in Beijing. Born and raised in Suzhou, she joined the theater in 2013 after graduating from Suzhou Pingtan School.

"I can still recall the moment when I made my debut in a small theater of a community in Suzhou. I was very nervous and performed a classic pingtan song. The audiences, mostly the elderly, were supportive of young artists, which made me relaxed and confident," says Xie, who gives about 240 shows a year across the country.

She shares her daily practice and rehearsals on social media, hoping to attract younger audiences.

"For people who live in fast-paced cities and have full-time jobs, it's a luxury to spend a few hours sitting in a teahouse to enjoy the old art," Xie says. "But that's what people need－to slow down and have a good time."