Xiangsheng (simplified Chinese: 相声; pinyin: xiàngsheng), sometimes translated as crosstalk, is one of China's foremost and most popular performing arts, and is typically performed in Beijing dialect.

It is a traditional Chinese comedic performance in the form of a dialogue between two performers, or, much less often, a solo monologue or, even less frequently, a multi-player talk show. The language, rich in puns and allusions, is delivered in a rapid, bantering style.

In Beijing, there are four famous theaters to watch the t performance.

　　Deyunshe Theater

Built in 1933, Deyunshe Theater is a traditional teahouse transformed from Tianle Theater. Covering an area of almost 1,000 square meters, it can hold 300 people. Beijing Deyunshe was created by Guo Degang, a well-known Xiangsheng performer in China. Deyunshe provides people with cross-talk, Peking Opera and variety shows. Visitors can enjoy the performances while sampling tea and noshing Beijing snacks.

　　Deyunshe Tianqiao Branch:

Performance time: 14:00 every Friday, Saturday and Sunday

Booking time: 12:00 – 17:00 (Monday - Sunday)

Ticket price: 30 yuan for row 1, 2, 3, 4; 20 yuan for row 5, 6, 7, 8; 60 yuan for the front box seat and 50 yuan for side box seat

Transportation: take bus No.7, 17, 35, 69, 71, 105, 106, 110, 120, 626, 692, 707 or 729 and get off at Tianqiao Station.

　　Deyunshe Sanlitun Branch:

Performance time: Monday to Sunday

Ticket price: 30 yuan to begin with

Deyunshe Guangdelou Branch:

Performance time: 14:00 and 19:15 every Saturday

Ticket price: 30 yuan, 50 yuan or 60 yuan by seat