Crosstalk, known as Xiangsheng in China, is one of the most popular and influential forms of Quyi. It took the shape as an independent art form during the Xianfeng reign of Qing Dynasty.

The first Crosstalk artists were Zhang Sanlu and Zhu Shaowen, the latter with the stage name of Qiong Bupa means fearing no poverty. His stage name originated from a poem inscribed on a pair of bamboo clappers, a kind of percussion instrument, which he had used.

The words on the clapper were, 'Eating by begging from many houses and sleeping in ancient temples. Never do anything against the law, and don't be afraid of seeing the emperor.' He used to perform in Tianqiao area in Beijing. Zhu always began with a ragged verse, something like a palindrome phrase, and imitated the street hawkers' cries as well as sang some ancient songs.

Since the late Qing Dynasty to the early years of the Republic of China, Crosstalk art has made great advances both in content and in skills. There are three forms of Crosstalk. The earliest form is performed by one person namely Dankou Crosstalk. Its contents are mostly jokes and funny stories. Later, Duokou Crosstalk or 'cross talk' appeared, which are performed by two people. The third form performed by three or more people is called Qunkou Crosstalk. It calls for one artist to say funny things, while others chime in and yet another makes them stray from the subject.