In a traditional courtyard dwelling in Beijing, an unexpected partnership was forming between a local graduate and a foreigner.

Chinese medical major Li Xinshu, 24, and British comedian Fraser Sampson, 27, began crafting their next stand-up comedy routine in the heart of the Chinese capital.

Their partnership, dubbed "Shufu Duo", is a cross-cultural stand-up comedy act born last December.

Sampson, known on stage as A Fu, and Li, known as Little Shu, represent an unusual fusion of cultures and comedic traditions.

Their act diverges from the traditional Chinese cross-talk xiangsheng, embracing instead global and contemporary elements.