Banned Chinese Comic Chizi Sells Out 4-City Asia Tour After 2023 Blacklist
Updated
Updated · bbc.co.uk · Jul 1
Banned Chinese Comic Chizi Sells Out 4-City Asia Tour After 2023 Blacklist
3 articles · Updated · bbc.co.uk · Jul 1
Summary
Chizi returned to the stage in April with sold-out shows in Tokyo, Taipei, Kuala Lumpur and Singapore, his first major run since China barred him from performing in 2023.
The 30-year-old said he built the tour to reach Chinese-speaking audiences abroad and was drawn to the risk, especially by performing in Taiwan, where no Chinese comedian had previously toured.
Singapore sets included a veiled joke about Xi Jinping, though Chizi said he intentionally limited political material after earlier North America performances on censorship, nationalism and minority rights triggered the ban.
Once a stand-up star with billions of views and 4.7 million Weibo followers, Chizi now lives outside China, says even fans sharing his photo can face account suspensions, and hopes to extend the tour to Australia, New Zealand and North America.
As China's new law targets dissent abroad, what does this exiled comedian's tour reveal about its limits?
How does an artist's career change after being erased by their home country's powerful censorship machine?
From Blacklist to Sold-Out Asia Tour: Chizi’s Journey and the Battle for Uncensored Chinese Comedy
Overview
Chizi’s "Resurgent Asia Tour" in April 2026 marked a triumphant return to the stage, opening a new chapter in his comedic journey. The tour achieved overwhelming success with sold-out shows across major Asian cities, highlighting strong demand for his unique Chinese-language stand-up among overseas Chinese communities. This enthusiasm was driven by the restrictive environment for comedy in mainland China, where many topics are taboo. As a result, Chizi’s uncensored performances attracted diverse audiences eager for authentic humor, showing how his comedy resonates deeply with those seeking freedom of expression beyond China’s borders.