Punch: From third-rate anchor to top chef

In a small town in GD Province, three good friends, Li Xiao, Zhang Yue and Huang Xu, were sitting around a worn coffee table filled with all kinds of travel guides and maps. Their eyes scanned the map and finally settled on an inconspicuous dot in GD Province - Danxia Mountain.

"Let's start here, Danxia Mountain." Li Xiao pointed to the small dot on the map, his eyes flashing with excitement.

Zhang Yue and Huang Xu looked at each other and saw the expectation in each other's eyes. "It sounds good. The natural scenery of Danxia Mountain is famous." Zhang Yue said with a smile.

Huang Xu picked up a travel guide and turned to the introduction page of Danxia Mountain. "Danxia Mountain is famous for its unique red rock landforms and is known as the 'Red Rock Park of China'. We have to go and see the sunrise there. I heard it is beautiful."

The three of them hit it off and decided to set off early the next morning. The next morning, when the first ray of sunlight shone through the curtains on their faces, they had already embarked on their journey to Danxia Mountain.

After several hours of driving, they finally arrived at the foot of Danxia Mountain. Standing at the foot of the mountain, they looked up at the towering red rocks with awe in their hearts.

"Wow, the scenery is so spectacular!" Zhang Yue couldn't help but exclaim.

"Yes, we have to hurry up the mountain and find a good place to watch the sunrise." Li Xiao urged.

They climbed up along the winding mountain road, enjoying the scenery along the way. The rocks of Danxia Mountain have different shapes, some look like lions, some look like elephants, and some look like immortals pointing the way, which makes people marvel at the uncanny workmanship of nature.

When they reached the top of the mountain, the sun had just risen from the horizon, and thousands of golden rays sprinkled on the red rocks, dyeing the entire mountaintop golden. They stood quietly, taking in this spectacular sight.

"This sunrise is so beautiful." Huang Xu exclaimed.

"Yes, it's worth the trip." Li Xiao also said with emotion.

After watching the sunrise, they started to go down the mountain. Along the way, they discussed the beauty of Danxia Mountain and where they would go next. They decided that the next stop would be Guangzhou to experience the city life and food there.

After arriving in Guangzhou, they first went to the Guangzhou Tower, where they stood on the top of the tower to overlook the entire city and feel the prosperity and vitality of the city. Then they went to Yuexiu Park to appreciate the natural beauty and historical relics there.

In Guangzhou, they tasted authentic Cantonese cuisine, such as white-cut chicken, roast goose, barbecued pork, etc., and they praised every dish. In the evening, they also watched a wonderful Cantonese opera performance and felt the profound heritage of Guangdong culture.

During the trip, they interacted more and more, Li Xiao and Zhang Yue often joked with each other, while Huang Xu always smiled and said nothing. Their friendship deepened during this trip.

As their trip to Guangzhou came to an end, they began to plan their next stop. They decided to go to Yunnan to explore the natural scenery and diverse culture there.

In Yunnan, they visited the ancient city of Lijiang and felt the leisure and romance there. They strolled in the alleys of the ancient city and tasted local snacks such as chicken bean jelly and Naxi grilled fish. In the evening, they participated in a Naxi bonfire party, sang and danced with the local people, and experienced the enthusiasm and hospitality of the Naxi people.

During this trip, they not only visited the beautiful mountains and rivers of China, but also deepened their friendship. Their journey continues, and their story continues.

In the ancient city of Lijiang in Yunnan, Li Xiao, Zhang Yue and Huang Xu seemed to have traveled through time and space and returned to that poetic era. On the stone pavement of the ancient city, the sound of their footsteps and the sound of horse bells coming from afar intertwined to form a harmonious picture.

“The pace of life here is so slow. I feel like I’m completely relaxed,” Zhang Yue said with emotion.

"Yes, people here live a leisurely life and don't seem to have any worries." Li Xiao also agreed.

Huang Xu took out his camera to record this beautiful moment. "We have to take pictures of all of this and savor it slowly when we get back."

They wandered around the ancient city and were attracted by roadside stalls from time to time. The stall owners enthusiastically introduced various handicrafts and local specialties to them. They also stopped from time to time to communicate with the stall owners and learn about the stories behind these handicrafts.

"This silver jewelry is so exquisite. I want to bring one back for my mother." Zhang Yue picked up a silver bracelet and couldn't let it go.

"The shawl over there is also nice and suitable for you." Li Xiao said, pointing to a stall not far away.

Huang Xu was attracted by a shop selling Pu'er tea. He walked in and savored the aroma of various Pu'er teas. "The Pu'er tea here is very famous. We must take some back."

During the few days in Lijiang, they experienced the daily life of the Naxi people and tasted local delicacies such as chicken bean jelly, Naxi grilled fish, etc. They also visited the Mu Mansion and learned about the history and culture of the Naxi people.

"The culture here is really rich, and every place has its own unique charm." Li Xiao said with emotion.

"Yes, this trip is really an eye-opener for us." Zhang Yue also said excitedly.

Huang Xu smiled and said, "Our story continues. Our next stop is Dali."

Dali is a place full of mystery, with Cangshan Mountain, Erhai Lake, Bai nationality's three-course tea and ancient legends. They are looking forward to the adventure there.

After arriving in Dali, they first went to Cangshan Mountain, took the cable car up the mountain, and enjoyed the magnificent scenery of Cangshan Mountain, which was surrounded by clouds and mist, as if they were in a fairyland.

"The scenery here is so beautiful that I don't want to leave." Zhang Yue exclaimed.

"Yes, this place is like a paradise on earth." Li Xiao also agreed.

Huang Xu took out his camera to record the beautiful scenery. "We have to record all of this so we can enjoy it slowly when we get back."

After visiting Cangshan Mountain, they went to Erhai Lake, whose surface was as calm as a mirror, reflecting the blue sky and white clouds, and was so beautiful that it made people intoxicated.

"The water here is so clear. I really want to jump in and swim." Zhang Yue said jokingly.

"Don't mess around, the water here is very deep." Li Xiao reminded.

Huang Xu smiled and said, "Let's go and experience the Bai ethnic group's three-course tea. I heard it's very unique."

They found a Bai teahouse and tasted the three courses of Bai tea: the first course was bitter tea, the second course was sweet tea, and the third course was aftertaste tea. Each course of tea had its own unique taste and meaning.

"These three cups of tea have a unique flavor, bitter and sweet, and endless aftertaste." Li Xiao said with emotion. "Yes, this is just like our life, bitter and sweet, and endless aftertaste in the end." Zhang Yue also said with deep emotion.

Huang Xu smiled and said, "Our journey continues. Our next stop is another mysterious place in Yunnan - Shangri-La."

Shangri-La, a legendary paradise, has snow-capped mountains, grasslands, lakes, and ancient temples. They are looking forward to exploring and discovering there.

In Shangri-La, they visited Pudacuo National Park and admired the natural scenery there. They also visited Songzanlin Monastery and learned about the religious culture of the Tibetan people.

"The culture here is different from what we have seen before. It is really eye-opening." Li Xiao said with emotion.

"Yes, every place has its unique culture and scenery. Our trip is really worthwhile." Zhang Yue also said excitedly.

Huang Xu smiled and said, "Our journey continues. Our next stop is..."

Their journey continues, and their stories continue. Every trip allows them to better understand the diversity and beauty of China, and deepen their friendship.

In the mysterious atmosphere of Shangri-La, Li Xiao, Zhang Yue and Huang Xu seemed to have entered a whole new world. They stood by the lake in Pudacuo National Park, looking at the clear water, with the snow-capped mountains in the distance reflected in it, like a moving painting.

"The scenery here is so refreshing." Zhang Yue took a deep breath and felt the fresh air on the plateau.

"Yeah, I feel like my whole body is purified." Li Xiao couldn't help but admire.

Huang Xu took out his camera and captured the beautiful scenery in front of him. "Everywhere here is a great photo material. I want to record all these beautiful views."

They strolled through Pudacuo National Park, stopping from time to time to admire the natural beauty around them. They saw herds of cattle and sheep grazing leisurely on the grassland, and Tibetan herdsmen singing melodious pastoral songs in the distance.

"The pace of life here is completely different from our usual pace. It feels like time has slowed down," Zhang Yue said with emotion.

"Yes, life here is simple and peaceful, which makes people relax unconsciously." Li Xiao responded.

Huang Xu smiled and said, "This trip is not just to see the scenery, but also to experience a different life and feel a different culture."

During the few days in Shangri-La, they visited local temples and learned about the religious beliefs and living customs of the Tibetans. They also tried traditional Tibetan food such as barley wine, butter tea and tsampa, and every bite made them feel the unique charm of Tibetan culture.

"The taste of this butter tea is really special. You may not be used to it at first, but the more you drink it, the more delicious it becomes," said Zhang Yue with a smile.

"Yes, every kind of food has its story and culture behind it. We really gained a lot from this trip." Li Xiao also said with emotion.

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Huang Xu nodded and said, "Our journey continues. Our next stop is Jiuzhaigou in Sichuan."

Jiuzhaigou, a place known as the "fairy tale world", has colorful lakes, spectacular waterfalls and dense forests. They are looking forward to their adventure there.

After arriving at Jiuzhaigou, they were deeply attracted by the scenery in front of them. They walked on the plank road, admired the brilliant colors of the Five-Colored Pool, and felt the magnificent momentum of the Nuorilang Waterfall.

"The water here is so clear and the color is so beautiful," exclaimed Zhang Yue.

"Yes, the natural scenery here is truly breathtaking." Li Xiao also agreed.

Huang Xu was recording all of this. "We need to record all these beautiful scenes so that we can savor them slowly when we return."

During the tour of Jiuzhaigou, they not only appreciated the natural beauty, but also experienced the local Tibetan culture. They participated in the local bonfire party, danced and sang with the Tibetan people, and felt their enthusiasm and friendliness.

With the end of their trip to Jiuzhaigou, they planned their next stop and decided to go to Chengdu, Sichuan, to experience the leisurely life and delicious food there.

In Chengdu, they strolled through Kuanzhai Alley and tasted local snacks such as Chuanchuanxiang, Longchao Shou and Dandan Noodles. They also visited the Giant Panda Base and observed these lovely national treasures up close.

“The pace of life here is really leisurely, and people are warm and friendly,” Zhang Yue said with emotion.

“Yes, Chengdu is really a place where people don’t want to leave once they come here.” Li Xiao also said with a smile.

Huang Xu smiled and said, "Our journey continues. Our next stop is..."

Their journey continues, and their stories continue. Every trip allows them to better understand the diversity and beauty of China, and deepen their friendship.

The leisurely life in Chengdu slowed down Li Xiao, Zhang Yue and Huang Xu, who experienced a lifestyle that was completely different from the fast-paced city. In Kuanzhai Alley, they tasted a variety of authentic Chengdu snacks, which were spicy and sweet, and sweet and fragrant, leaving them with endless aftertastes.

"The snacks here are so delicious, especially the skewers. They are so spicy that tears are about to come out of my eyes, but I can't help but want to eat them." Zhang Yue said with a smile while wiping the sweat from his forehead.

"Yes, there are many kinds of snacks in Chengdu, and each has its own unique flavor." Li Xiao also nodded in agreement.

Huang Xu was recording their food tour, "We have to record all these delicacies so we can share them with our friends when we get back."

During their few days in Chengdu, they not only tasted delicious food, but also visited the Wuhou Temple and Jinli Ancient Street to learn about the history and culture of the Three Kingdoms period. They also went to People's Park to experience the leisurely teahouse culture of Chengdu people, watching the locals leisurely drinking tea, chatting and playing mahjong in the teahouse.

"The teahouse culture here is really unique. People can relax here for the whole day." Li Xiao said with emotion.

"Yes, this leisurely lifestyle makes people feel relaxed and comfortable." Zhang Yue also echoed. (End of this chapter)