Guo Degang: China's Top Comedian Investigated Over Song

Who is Guo Degang?

Guo Degang, 52, is widely considered China's most influential xiangsheng (crosstalk) comedian and the founder of the Deyun Society, a celebrated crosstalk troupe he established in Beijing in 1996. Over two decades, he has become a household name, hosting major television shows and performing for millions. The Chinese stand-up comedy scene has long navigated strict state oversight, but Guo's improvisational style repeatedly pushes those boundaries.

What did Guo Degang change?

During a July 2026 Peking opera performance of 'The Living Buddha Ji Gong' in Wuhan, Guo improvised lyrics to the song 'Playing My Beloved Pipa' (弹起我心爱的土琵琶). The original line from the 1956 film 'Railway Guerrilla' reads, 'All is quiet on Weishan Lake.' Guo reportedly changed it to 'All is quiet in the Forbidden City' and added humorous asides. The song glorifies communist guerrillas who fought the Japanese during the Second Sino-Japanese War and was included in a 2019 government list of the 100 most patriotic songs.

Why is the Forbidden City controversial?

Mentioning the Forbidden City—the former imperial palace where Chinese emperors ruled for centuries—is politically sensitive. The substitution can be read as veiled criticism of current rulers, implying the seat of power has gone quiet. Chinese authorities treat any perceived mockery of revolutionary heroes or party-sanctioned history with zero tolerance.

Investigation and cancelled shows

The Wuhan Municipal Bureau of Culture and Tourism confirmed an active investigation, saying Guo's unapproved lyrical alteration may violate the Regulations on the Administration of Commercial Performances. A complainant accused Guo of 'distorting and vulgarising a classic revolutionary work' and violating public morals. Several stops on Guo's nationwide anniversary tour have been cancelled, including a show at Xi'an's Chanba Poly Grand Theater, with automatic refunds offered.

Previous controversies

This is not Guo's first brush with authorities. In 2010, amid then-President Hu Jintao's campaign against 'vulgarity,' Guo's website was taken offline and retailers removed his works. He later staged a comeback, appearing on Chunwan, China's state-run Spring Festival Gala watched by hundreds of millions.

What penalties could Guo Degang face?

Beyond administrative fines or a performance ban, Guo could be accused of 'historic nihilism,' a political label used by the Chinese Communist Party for those who question, deny, or distort the party's version of history. The China censorship laws for performers also prohibit slandering or distorting the deeds of heroes and martyrs.

• Administrative fine
• Performance ban or business prohibition
• Up to 3 years in prison for 'historic nihilism' or defaming heroes

Online debate and wider censorship

The incident has split Chinese social media. Some users demand punishment, while others argue authorities are overreacting to a joke. The controversy echoes the crackdown on Chinese comedians and reflects the shrinking space for artistic expression. Performers must submit scripts and stage remarks to a censorship committee for prior approval; unapproved improvisation can trigger fines or bans.

'It is not the first time Guo Degang has been in trouble,' said NOS China correspondent Gabi Verberg. 'Whether he overcomes this incident as well seems unlikely. It has been illegal in China for a few years to slander or distort the deeds of heroes and martyrs.'

FAQ

What song did Guo Degang alter?

He altered 'Playing My Beloved Pipa,' a revolutionary song from the 1956 film 'Railway Guerrilla.'

Why is 'Forbidden City' controversial?

It references the former imperial seat of power and can be interpreted as criticizing current rulers.

What penalties could Guo Degang face?

Fines, a performance ban, or up to three years in prison for 'historic nihilism' or defaming heroes.

Has Guo Degang been investigated before?

Yes, in 2010 his website was shut down during a campaign against 'vulgarity.'