The Nuo opera is among folk traditions that were once very popular in Guizhou province. [Photo by Yang Jun/China Daily]

In a remote village of the county, an intense scene unfolds as mask-wearing performers of the Nuo opera launch into action. The popular art form mixes storytelling, chanting, dancing, singing and stunts, and an act can go on for days and nights depending on the occasion.

"Families invite the performers after a birth or death or to have their wishes fulfilled through prayers," says Hou Tianwen, who pierces his head with blades as part of the opera.

The 43-year-old man has been performing the trick for the past decade but has yet to find an apprentice, mostly because the younger generations aren't as interested.

Each member of Hou's ensemble charges up to 400 yuan for a 24-hour show, he says. Some villages view the opera only as entertainment.

Nuo's key feature is a set of 24 wooden masks that represent the many gods of the Tujia people. Drums, gongs and horns provide other dramatic effects during shows.

The opera has been declared an intangible heritage by the central government.

Another tradition that will likely fade in the coming years unless protected is a style of high-pitched singing passed down generations.

Standing in the grounds of Ban Shang Middle School, which is located in a semi-urban area of the county, 49-year-old Tujia musician Wang Bo sings a song that was once meant to chase away from the villages straying wild animals. Wang's troupe of mostly female members in colorful clothing offers the chorus.

Among Wang's youngest disciples is Li Shanshan, 14, who likes Western rock and Chinese pop, and says she sings Tujia songs as a hobby. Most of her peers don't.

"Schools can help better safeguard our culture," says Wang, who has appeared on national television promoting the folk songs.

Dong Xianwu contributed to this story.