Rolling with the punches

This explosion in China's comedy scene has given many people, especially youngsters who are willing to try something new, more opportunities to understand, appreciate and enjoy the art form by experiencing the atmosphere of a live comedy venue firsthand.

"I think stand-ups meet young people's taste for comedy," says Xiao Wu, 28, a part-time, Beijing-based comic. "Instead of simply looking at stand-up as a source of amusement, audiences now hope for evocative substance behind the gags."

Working as an administrator in a university by day, she spends her nights performing at comedy clubs and bars with prepared routines based on her observations about everyday life.

"What appeals to me most is that I can be my natural self when I'm on stage," says Xiao, who started performing in 2015. "I can express many of my own unique perspectives on life during a performance that lasts just a few minutes."

Xiao, who used to be nervous about attending social events for fear of being made to feel unwelcome by others, has been gradually cured by her experience of performing live comedy, overcoming her social phobia.

"Making audiences laugh has certainly boosted my self-confidence, because laughter instantly delivers a message of acceptance and appreciation," she says.