Xiangsheng is a traditional Chinese art form that originated in the second half of the 19th century, when performers began to take to the stage in the Tianqiao area of Beijing.

The performance, which usually involves two people, combines jokes, vocal imitation and folk culture.

Beijing and Tianjin are considered the two most important bases for the art form. Beijing has spawned great performers like Hou Baolin (1917-93), while Tianjin has produced masters like Ma Sanli (1914-2003).

In the first half of the 20th century Xiangsheng was mainly performed in teahouses. After the founding of New China in 1949, most of the comedians were recruited into State-run performing arts troupes, and comic talk shows in teahouses gradually disappeared.

However, with teahouses mushrooming in recent years, there has been a revival.

(China Daily December 21, 2006)