BEIJING, July 18 -- A special crosstalk show was staged in Beijing on Tuesday night, honoring Hou Yaowen at the 60th birthday of the artist who died in Beijing last month.

A large number of crosstalk big names, all of whom are friends, relatives or students of Hou Yaowen, performed at the show, ensuring that it lasted for 6 hours - until half past one o'clock in the early morning.

At the end of the show, a portrait of the deceased descended onto the stage. All performers bowed to the portrait, wishing Hou to rest in peace.

Crosstalk or "xiangsheng" is a much-loved form of performed wordplay art in China.

(Source: CRIENGLISH. com)