Tan pours sugar water into the hive from a kettle. The specially made water helps to keep the honey bees healthy, especially during periods of heavy rain. [Photo/wxrb.com]

"Maintaining bee colonies is certainly not easy work, especially when spring comes in March," said Qian, noting that the busiest chore is moving the bees in and out of the hives in order to collect honey.

The occupation brought the couple pleasure and income in equal measure, but they worry that the encroachment of the city will make these practices a thing of the past. In recent years, Wuxi's urban expansion has gradually reduced the area available for farming in Huazhuang and although Tan's career with bees has reached a standstill, he hopes others will take up the mantle.

"It is a pity that my career has come to an end, but my love for raising bees will never die," said Tan.

Having sold all of his hives to other local bee enthusiasts, Tan and his wife are certainly out of the apiary game for the foreseeable future. Qian, however, hopes that the government can provide better support to develop apiculture and ensure that the strong local tradition doesn't die.