09.11
·Verified
·Importance III
·Sources 1
Beijing time, September 11, 2026 — According to China Digital Times (CDT), Wuhan authorities punished the relevant theater and the event organizer because crosstalk comedian Guo Degang sang “red songs” during a performance without prior approval. It remains undecided whether Guo Degang will be allowed to continue performing crosstalk or Peking opera. Outside observers believe that the authorities’ prolonged silence over whether to permit his performances is itself a statement.
09.08
·媒体评论
·Importance IV
·Sources 2
·China
The Economist published an article analyzing the current state of speech censorship in China, pointing out that articles discussing the boundaries of expression are being deleted, society has fallen into a state of high self-censorship, and the CCP is using this to consolidate control.
09.07
·Verified
·Importance III
·Sources 1
·Wuhan, Hubei
The Wuhan Municipal Culture and Tourism Bureau determined that Guo Degang altered the performance content without authorization and distorted anti-Japanese War songs; the organizer's illegal gains were confiscated and a fine of ten times the amount, totaling more than 480,000 yuan, was imposed, and Wuhan Zhongnan Theater and the related performances were penalized.
2026.09
·Hearsay
·Importance III
·Sources 1
·China
According to a video from Hu Liren's True China, Guo Degang has constantly exposed the darkness of society in his crosstalk works and was arrested some time ago. This news has not been officially confirmed.
08.15
·Verified
·Importance III
·Sources 1
·Xi'an, Shaanxi
The Qilin Opera Troupe's 10th anniversary tour show in Xi'an, originally scheduled for the evening of August 15, was reported the day before the performance because Guo Degang had previously changed "Weishan Lake Is Quiet" to "The Forbidden City Is Quiet" during a show in Wuhan. It was placed under formal investigation by the Wuhan Culture and Tourism Bureau and officially cancelled.
08.11
·Verified
·Importance III
·Sources 1
·Wuhan, Hubei
The Wuhan Culture and Tourism Bureau officially announced that it has opened an investigation into Guo Degang of Deyun Society, after he changed the lyrics of the song from "Railway Guerrillas" to "All is quiet in the Forbidden City" during a commercial performance in Wuhan on July 24.
08.11
·Verified
·Importance II
·Sources 2
·Wuhan, Hubei
When Guo Degang of Deyun Society performed a Peking opera in Wuhan with adapted lyrics from red songs, he was reported by netizens. The Wuhan Municipal Culture and Tourism Bureau has formally opened an investigation in accordance with the law on the grounds that the performance content had not been filed in advance.
08.11
·Official claim
·Importance II
·Sources 1
·Wuhan, Hubei
The Wuhan Culture and Tourism Bureau issued a response regarding the incident of Guo Degang's performance lyrics not being reported, avoiding the controversy over disrespect and adapted content, and initiating filing procedures on the grounds of failure to report as required.
08.11
·Official claim
·Importance III
·Sources 3
·China
On August 11, 2026, authorities responded to a netizen's report, stating that crosstalk comedian Guo Degang adapted the red song "Railway Guerrillas" in a recent performance, allegedly violating the Regulations on the Administration of Commercial Performances, and that the culture and tourism authorities have launched a case investigation.
2026.08
·Reported
·Importance IV
·Sources 1
·China
Crosstalk performer Guo Degang used metaphors such as the sun setting in the west during a performance, touching a nerve in Zhongnanhai and triggering an investigation. Commentators have pointed to this as a sign of the launch of a new Cultural Revolution movement.
2026.08
·Reported
·Importance III
·Sources 1
·China
Reports from within China indicate that crosstalk performer Guo Degang has been detained, DeYunShe's operations have been suspended, and it is facing asset liquidation and financial audits.
2026.08
·Reported
·Importance III
·Sources 1
·Wuhan
Recently, cross-talk comedian Guo Degang improvised changes to the lyrics of a red song during a performance without prior filing, and has been placed under investigation by Wuhan's culture and tourism authorities.
07.24
·Reported
·Importance III
·Sources 1
·Wuhan, Hubei
When the Qilin Opera Troupe, under the Deyun Society, staged the Peking opera "Ji Gong, the Living Buddha" at a special show in Wuhan, Guo Degang casually and jokingly adapted the red song "Strum My Beloved Earthen Pipa," sparking controversy and drawing reports.
07.24
·Verified
·Importance III
·Sources 2
·Wuhan, Hubei
During a performance of the Peking Opera 'Ji Gong Huo Fo' in Wuhan, Guo Degang improvised a line change from 'It's quiet on Weishan Lake' to 'It's quiet in the Forbidden City.' He was subsequently reported by name for performing without proper filing, and the Wuhan Municipal Bureau of Culture and Tourism has officially opened an investigation.
2025.11.26
·Reported
·Importance III
·Sources 3
·北京市西城区
When Guo Degang performed “Great Skill, Timid Heart” at the Beijing Exhibition Center, he satirized state-run art troupes, after which members of the public filed complaints through the 12345 hotline; the Xicheng District Culture and Tourism Bureau summoned the organizer and demanded that the script be rearranged.