Li Dan

Li Dan (; born 2 September 1989), is a Chinese stand-up comedian, screenwriter, author, and media personality. Often dubbed the "father of stand-up comedy" in China, he co-founded Xiaoguo Culture and rose to prominence through his satirical humor addressing social issues, youth culture, and everyday dilemmas. Li was the creative mind behind popular comedy shows like Tonight 80's Talk Show and Rock & Roast, amassing millions of followers on platforms like Weibo. In recent years, he has pivoted to livestreaming on Xiaohongshu, offering advice on relationships and life. Li’s sharp wit and relatable humor earned him recognition, transitioning him from behind-the-scenes work to on-stage performances.

In 2014, Li co-founded Shanghai Xiao Guo Culture Media Co., Ltd. (上海笑果文化传媒有限公司), serving as chief content executive, and holding a 4.58% ownership stake. Xiao Guo produced live shows, online content, and talent incubators, establishing comedy as a viable career path in a country where it was previously niche.

Rise to fame Li’s breakthrough came in 2017 with "Roast!"(吐槽大会, tucao dahui) and Rock & Roast (脱口秀大会, tuokouxiu dahui), produced by Xiao Guo and streamed on Tencent. Blending Western roast formats with Chinese cultural nuances, the shows featured celebrities and comedians delivering sharp, self-deprecating humor. They became a cultural phenomenon, spawning multiple seasons and cementing Li’s reputation as the “king of punchlines.” Li Dan was credited by many for making stand-up comedy mainstream in China.

In 2023, Li led a stand-up tour across 13 North American cities hosted by Xiaoguo Culture and Canada based Lima Media, featuring 13 Chinese comedians including Yang Li and Li Haoshi. The incident led to an official investigation and speculation that Li Dan might have been blacklisted from public appearances.

Livestreaming By summer 2024, about a year after the Li Haoshi incident, Li Dan reemerged on Xiaohongshu (RedNote) as a live streamer. Attracting millions of viewers, his livestreams blend humor with emotional counseling, primarily targeting the platform's largely female audience. Li addresses topics like love, relationships, and personal growth, often drawing from his own publicized divorce and skepticism toward marriage, earning him the nickname "a girl’s digital bestie." His approach features a "soft sell" style, with affiliate product links scrolling during sessions while he responds to questions such as navigating multiple suitors or dealing with personal betrayals. Reminiscent of 1990s Chinese late-night radio shows, Li's irreverent yet empathetic delivery transforms emotional venting into a lively, carnivalesque spectacle, offering a humorous outlet for a generation disillusioned with romantic ideals. He remains unmarried, frequently exploring themes of singledom and emotional detachment in his comedy and livestreams.