The Tang Dynasty was one of the most prosperous periods in the history of Chinese civilization. In the imperial court, a chunguan was an official, while among the people, he was the person who transmitted knowledge to them.

Wang Qinghe, the curator of Nanzheng District Cultural Center in Hanzhong city, says that with the advancement of the high technology and the increasing popularity of the internet, the development of the folk singing art has been greatly impeded.

"No matter how these artisans are treated with respect and become popular among villagers, it's inevitable that this ancient storytelling folk art is declining and it's becoming more difficult for people to make a living through it," says Wang Qinghe.

With an average age of 57, these practitioners for the ancient folk art are aging, the oldest being 88 while the youngest is 46, he says.

Due to a meager income, fewer and fewer young people voluntarily chose to learn this art from senior artisans, according to him.

"Lyrics, tunes and instruments for the folk art are about to be lost," he says.

Wang Mengnan contributed to this story.

Contact the writer at xinwen@chinadaily.com.cn