The street massages are cheap, convenient and enjoyable. It is no surprise they have become so popular. (Guangzhou Daily)

A group of traditional Chinese masseuses have opened a new kind business in Guangzhou recently. Their offices are comprised of nothing more than bicycles, some simple tools and banners emblazoned with the words "traditional Chinese medicine massage".

They cruise the city streets looking for potential clients who might be sore or tired.

Compared to so-called "professional" massages, the street massages are cheap, convenient and enjoyable. It is no surprise they have become so popular.

Most of the masseuses are middle-aged men with massage certificates who claim to have had professional training. Some of practitioners say they have had the art of massage therapy handed down from their ancestors. Lu is one of them.

Lu's service has been in operation for a few weeks. "I average 70 to 80 yuan a day now," said the 48-year-old. "But a lucky day can bring me over 100 yuan." A grandmother getting a massage from Lu said she comes here when she feels tired, and that the price is a reasonable for her.

However, according to Yu Yongxin, a doctor from the Guangzhou Bonesetting Hospital, street massage is just for relaxation, not a cure for diseases. Citizens should go to hospitals for formal treatment.