Chinese comedy has a long history that dates back to the Zhou dynasty (1100–221 BC) when the aristocracy kept jesters in their homes.
[1] At that time people in higher society were profoundly influenced by the teachings of Confucius, and as a result comic shows were usually looked down upon in feudal China.
During the late Qing dynasty (1644–1911)[1] and Republic of China period, different styles of comedy flourished in big cities and the genre of xiangsheng comic drama began to emerge.
It has inherited qualities, and developed from other forms of comedy, such as stage play, xiangsheng, Errenzhuan and comic drama.
Through promotion by the Spring Festival Gala Evening over 2 years, Chinese skit became a very popular artistic form in China.
[7] Other notable comedians include Yang Li, known for her controversial jokes about men, and Zhou Qimo, a winner of the Rock & Roast competition.
The genre is appreciated by Chinese audiences but remains constrained by unwritten rules and censorship, limiting the topics that can be addressed.
State censorship poses another significant barrier, with vague rules around permissible content, particularly avoiding sensitive topics like Taiwan, Tibet, and Tiananmen.