Later, Duikou xiangsheng or "cross talk," performed by two people, appeared. One man was called Dougen, and the other, Penggen. When A is the primary talker while B chimes in, this is called yitouchen (heavy-at-one-end), and the subject of argument between them is called zimugen. Recitals and narration are called guankouhuo, and imitations of opera songs and words are called huhuo.

The third form of xiangsheng performed by three or more people is called Qunkou xiangsheng. It calls for one artist to say funny things, while others chime in and yet another makes them stray from the subject. Of the three forms, cross talk is the most popular and widespread.

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