On the first day of the Chinese Year of the Rooster, performers at Beijing Badachu Temple Fair dressed up in old-style cotton-padded jackets and got into character as the characterful merchants that used to dot China’s streets. /VCG Photo

They called out advertisements for local drinks and snacks. The ambulant merchants of old were known for having their own tones and styles. /VCG Photo

Crosstalk, a traditional Chinese comedy performance, has several routines that describe this folk tradition. /VCG Photo