Chongqing - Fang Shaoli, a 50-year-old breakout stand-up comedy star known by her stage name "Fangzhuren (Director Fang)," is set to bring her acclaimed solo show to Chongqing at Shi Guangnan Grand Theater on November 26. Having risen to fame through the popular variety show "King of Stand-up Comedy Season 2," Fang has quickly become one of the most talked-about comedians in China, captivating audiences with her authentic, down-to-earth humor and heartfelt storytelling.

Fangzhuren at the performance. (Photo/Chongqing Performing Arts)

Fang's unique comedic style draws from her life experiences as a former sanitation worker, car washer, and laborer in her hometown of Linyi, Shandong Province. Her rise to fame was as accidental as it was meteoric: during a 2023 comedy show, she was pulled from the audience for an impromptu interaction. Introducing herself as "the director of village information center" - a self-mocking reference to her habit of gossiping at the village entrance - her witty remarks left the crowd in stitches. The clip went viral, garnering millions of views online and launching her career as "Fangzhuren (Director Fang)."

Since then, Fang has become a beloved figure in the stand-up comedy scene. Her performances are celebrated for blending humor with poignant reflections on life's struggles and triumphs. Audiences often describe her sets as "powerful" and "life-affirming," noting how she masterfully balances laughter with moments of deep emotion.

The Chongqing stop of her tour is particularly significant, as it is the only show scheduled in China's southwestern region. Demand for tickets has been overwhelming, with shows in other cities selling out rapidly after tickets were released in early August.

In recent years, Chongqing has emerged as a hotspot for stand-up comedy, with top performers like Xiaolu, Hulan, and Zhou Qimo drawing packed houses at venues across the city. The Shiguang Grand Theater, in particular, has become a cultural hub, hosting over 100 high-quality performances annually, including concerts, dance dramas, musicals, and plays.