Biting, playful — daring comedians let new generation laugh at itself

Performers' observations on social issues, family, modern life connect with younger audiences

On a cold winter night, Tang Xiangyu was cycling through the streets of Beijing, heading home after work. The winter chill had numbed her fingers, but her mind raced with ideas for new jokes. She couldn't ignore the sudden burst of inspiration.

Despite the freezing temperatures, she stopped pedaling and pulled over. Her frozen hands struggled to take notes on her phone, but she was determined not to let the moment slip away.

That spark of creativity in the middle of the frigid night was a turning point.

At that moment, Tang realized comedy wasn't just something she was doing for fun. Her desire to make people laugh was so strong that she would put up with freezing hands just to capture a flicker of inspiration.

Nearly four years later, she is one of the most popular stand-up comedians in China, touring the country and appearing in popular internet comedy shows.

Stand-up comedy is gaining traction across China, a country where this particular art form is still relatively new.

Major platforms, such as iQIYI and Tencent Video, have helped comedians like Tang bring their craft to millions, reaching a far wider audience than anyone had previously imagined.