As a representative local song genre in North China, Tianjin Ditty is performed by one person or two standing to sing with small bamboo clappers in hand, accompanied by others with Big Sanxian and Sihu. It originated from the folk ditties and urban tunes of Ming and Qing dynasties. It came into being in the late Qing dynasty and early Republic of China and became popular in the urban area of Tianjin. Its melody is very rich, including many ditties in Tianjin local folk songs and tunes outside of Tianjin but localized after coming, both with strong local flavors.

Tianjin Ditty was initially popular with the grassroots in the performance venues in the southern city of Tianjin, the Outside of Hedong Tunnel, the bird market in the Hongqiao district, and the Heping district, and it gradually declined in the 1930s and 1940s. After the founding of P.R. China, successful reforms were made, making it the main singing tunes, and many fine programs were composed afterwards. 

In the early period of the "Cultural Revolution," Tianjin Ditty once again fell into crisis. After the reform and opening-up, it regained its vitality and became increasingly revitalized. Some traditional tunes and programs were resumed. However, in recent years, the development of Tianjin Ditty has faced a severe test, and a certain degree of survival crisis has emerged, requiring urgent support and rescue.