Cross talk is one of Chinese Quyi performing arts. It originated from the folk vocal art and has enjoyed a popularity since the Ming Dynasty. Most of the cross talks come from our daily life. There are also some adapted from folk jokes, historical figures, events and word games. The best-known performers are Ma Sanli, Hou Baolin, Ma Ji, Jiang Kun, etc. Cross talk has been a national art popular among both highbrows and lowbrows with the efforts of performers generation after generation.
相声（cross talk）是一种中国曲艺（Quyi）表演艺术，它起源于华北地区的民间说唱曲艺，在明朝即已盛行。大多数的相声来自于我们的日常生活。还有一些改编自民间笑话、历史人物、事件和文字游戏。最著名的相声表演艺术家有马三立、侯宝林、马季、姜昆等。相声在一代又一代表演者的努力下，一直是深受知识分子和平民喜爱的国民艺术。