Top 10 things to do in Tianjin

Comedians brought the audience a cross-talk performance at the Anligan Art Center in Tianjin, July 28, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]

4. Enjoy a cross-talk show at a tea house

Want to live the authentic Tianjin lifestyle? Sip tea while enjoying a traditional cross-talk show.

Cross-talk (or xiangsheng) is a kind of Chinese folk art that features witty conversations and comedic sketches. Originating in Beijing and flourishing in Tianjin, it entertains audiences with humor while reflecting simple yet profound life philosophies.

In Tianjin, cross-talk is often performed in tea houses, allowing you to relax with a warm cup of tea and a handful of sunflower seeds.