For about 200 years, Tianqiao in central Beijing, was the most important forum for the city's common people. Last week, the time-honored venue was restored to entertain modern people interested in the vernacular culture of old Beijing.

The Tianqiao Tea House is in a 70-year-old opera theater in central Beijing. The venue can provide tea and snacks for about 200 people while entertaining them with traditional opera shows and feats of strength, which were once a popular part of public life for ordinary urban dwellers. The tea house opened just a week ago but it's already become a tourist attraction for people from home and abroad.

A French customer said ,"I'm very interested in China's traditional culture. Although I cannot fully understand the performers' songs and dialogues, I still find it a lot of fun to watch their performances."

In a bid to reach more people, the tea house is offering discounts at weekends. Besides the performances, it also plans to give lectures about Beijing traditions and customs.

(CCTV.com April 30, 2004)