CHUCKLING CHINA: A girl laughs during a stand-up comedy gig held at a Beijing bar on February 26 (WEI YAO)

Apart from jokes, Yang used his brief time on stage to address social issues, such as money and marriage matters and the worsening smog of Beijing. Yang said he felt energized after every show.

"I can make people laugh and get them to hear my opinions at the same time," Yang said. "We are concerned about society and environment, but we prefer to discuss those topics in a funny way."

Beyond entertainment

By 7 p.m. the Hot Cat Club had filled to capacity with people from across the city. The night's host stepped onto the stage and announced that the gig would begin with a surprise.

Joe Wong, a renowned Chinese-American comedian, emerged from the shadows to a cheering crowd and launched into a comedy routine that has made him world famous.

Afterwards, Wong told Beijing Review that he was happy to be invited by Xi to attend the gig. He added that the club has been effective in building a large following of stand-up comedy fans in China.

"I hope I can help promote Xi's club and exchange my ideas with other members on how to improve their performances," Wong said.

Born in 1970 in northeast China's Jilin Province, Wong moved to the United States to study chemistry at Rice University in Texas in 1994. He moved to Boston in 2001 and began performing comedy at Stash's Comedy Jam in All Asia Bar.

Despite his thick accent, Wong attracted nationwide attention in the United States after his appearance on the Late Show with David Letterman on April 17, 2009. His multiple appearances on TV boosted his reputation further.

At present, Wong is now a regular host for a CCTV (China Central Television) program Is It True? that airs at prime time every Saturday evening. In his spare time, Wong enthusiastically takes part in gigs promoting stand-up comedy across China.

In recent years, many Chinese TV channels have introduced talk show programs as their popularity grows. For example, the program Tonight Talk Show by Post 80s rose to fame since it was aired by Dragon Television on May 6, 2012. Wang Zijian, the host, used to be a professional performer of Chinese crosstalk. In fact, many Chinese talk show hosts have the background of being a traditional crosstalk performer, differing from Wong's style.

"Many Chinese may think that talk show is like another Chinese art such as crosstalk. But they are different. Traditional Chinese crosstalk emphasizes entertainment, while stand-up comedy and talk show focus on satirizing social and political events with humor," Wong said.

"I want people to know that talk show is not limited to politics. Our topics cover a broad range that can appeal to all kinds of audiences," Wong said.

As for Xi's club, Wong said amateur stand-up comedy groups are still rare in China. "A good comedian needs not only funny jokes but also sharp observation. To become a professional, it takes time to grow," Wong said.

Wong's road to fame offers a good example for Xi and his club members to learn from. "Wong realized his American dream, just as we pursue our Chinese dream," Xi said.

"The huge market for performance in Beijing offers us a lot of opportunities," Xi said. "I hope our club can become a national sensation."

Xi has already organized several paid shows in Beijing. "Paid shows will definitely be a pillar for our club, but we'll never stop putting on free shows for the fans who love this kind of art," Xi said.

Email us at: baishi@bjreview.com