Join the U.S.-China Education Trust and Young China Watchers for an evening of comedy, culture, and conversation with comedian Jesse Appell, celebrating the launch of his new book, This Was Funnier in China: An American Comedian’s Journey to Make China and the West Laugh With Each Other, Not at Each Other.

From performing in Beijing teahouses to earning over half a billion views online, Jesse’s journey as a formal disciple of legendary xiangsheng (相声) master Ding Guangquan (丁广泉) reveals how humor can foster deeper mutual understanding across cultures. Jesse’s book is full of stories about apprenticing under Ding. From comedy techniques to life lessons, Jesse shares what can be learned from moving to a new country with the goal of understanding what makes people laugh.

As part of the book tour, this event will feature Jesse’s new 45-minute English-language xiangsheng set, presented in a unique solo format that interacts live with pre-recorded dialogue to bring this classic art form to life for modern audiences. The performance will be followed by a moderated discussion with USCET Managing Director Ryan McElveen.

Copies of the book will be available for purchase on site. The event will be followed by a book signing and reception.