(XINHUA)

Cantonese Opera singer Hong Xiannu, who was widely celebrated as a master of the art form, died in Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, on December 8 at the age of 89.

Hailed as a national treasure, Hong performed in almost 100 operas and more than 90 films.

Hong, who studied Cantonese Opera from the age of 13, was devoted to her art form even in her final days. Her last appearance on stage was on November 30 singing the classic Praise of Lychee. She was still acting as a vocal coach to students until the day before she died.