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

Express yourself

As China's younger generation embraces diverse global entertainment forms, comedy has become a vehicle for expressing individuality, challenging social norms, and poking fun at the pressure of modern life.

"I remember the first time I got on stage and saw people in the crowd laughing," 31-year-old Tang recalled. "It wasn't just about the jokes anymore. It was about us, together, laughing at the things and experiences we have shared but never spoke about."

Tang, who was born and raised in a rural area of Shandong province, graduated from a top Chinese university. She wrote articles for an online education platform, and was later promoted to manage online educational products.

"I've always enjoyed creating and writing," Tang said. "I knew I had the ability to tell jokes and make my colleagues laugh. Even when I wrote stories about education, they always had a dash of humor."

She had no idea what stand-up comedy was about until she attended a show in Beijing with friends.

"What fascinated me was how performers could share funny yet insightful observations about the world without being offensive. It seemed like you could speak honestly, blending humor with social commentary, and make people laugh," Tang said. "That was the job I was dreaming about."

On Dec 6, 2021, Tang made her debut as a stand-up comedian. The audience laughed along and she sensed a genuine connection with them. Her first taste of performing and being accepted was exhilarating.

As she performed more open mics, however, she realized stand-up wasn't just about making people laugh — it was about sharing honest, personal stories. Her material began to explore societal pressures, the expectations placed on women, and the family dynamics she had always wanted to talk about.

Her family didn't understand her desire to leave a stable career for something so uncertain. But for Tang, something inside her had changed — she was ready to take the leap.

"It's an art form that allows you to speak your truth," she said. "The audience can tell when something is fake, and when it's real, they respond."

As her career progressed, many fans began sharing their personal stories with her, sometimes treating her like a confidant. "It's the ultimate honor when someone tells me they trust me with their story," she said. "It makes me realize that stand-up can create a space where people feel safe enough to be themselves."