Punch: From third-rate anchor to top chef

Chapter 1502 1517.

Li Xiao stood on the street in BJ, the morning sun shone through the gaps between the tall buildings onto his face. His friend Huang Pengfei patted him on the shoulder and said with a smile: "Brother Xiao, our journey has begun!"

"Yes, Pengfei, BJ, our first stop." Li Xiao smiled back, his eyes flashing with anticipation for an unknown journey.

The two walked along Chang'an Avenue, feeling the pulse of this ancient yet modern city. They first came to Tiananmen Square, watching the five-star red flag slowly rise in the morning breeze, and an inexplicable excitement surged in their hearts.

"Brother Xiao, look, this is our capital, so spectacular!" Huang Pengfei pointed to the Monument to the People's Heroes in the square, his eyes full of pride.

"Indeed, I have new feelings every time I come here." Li Xiao responded. The two took a few photos together in the square, leaving their footprints.

Afterwards, they went to the Forbidden City, a palace that has witnessed countless histories and is still solemn and majestic. Li Xiao and Huang Pengfei shuttled between the palaces, listening to the guide telling those ancient stories, as if they had traveled through time and space.

"Brother Xiao, look at this dragon throne. It must be very majestic to sit on it." Huang Pengfei said jokingly.

"Haha, if you sit on it, I guarantee you will be kicked out immediately." Li Xiao responded with a smile.

After the tour, the two came to Wangfujing Snack Street and tasted Beijing's special noodles with soybean paste and soybean juice. Huang Pengfei ate and praised: "This noodles with soybean paste is really amazing, with rich flavor and chewy noodles."

"Yes, the cuisine of every place has its own unique flavor." Li Xiao nodded in agreement.

After eating and drinking, they watched a Peking Opera performance. The gorgeous costumes and high-pitched singing fascinated them. Li Xiao said to Huang Pengfei: "Peking Opera is really profound and every movement contains deep meaning."

"That's right. During this trip, I not only saw the beautiful scenery, but also felt the charm of the culture," Huang Pengfei said with emotion.

As night fell, the two had a few drinks in Houhai Bar Street, listened to the street performers playing guitar and singing, and felt the romance and vitality of BJ's night.

"Brother Xiao, where are we going next?" Huang Pengfei asked.

"Next stop, we'll go to Xi'an to see the Terracotta Warriors and feel the vicissitudes of a thousand years." Li Xiao's eyes flashed with longing for the next stop.

Under the lights of the bar street, the two raised their glasses and toasted to the upcoming journey.

Li Xiao and Huang Pengfei arrived in Xi'an by plane. The air of this ancient city was filled with a heavy sense of history. They stood in front of the Terracotta Warriors and Horses Museum, looking at the neat rows of terracotta warriors, and couldn't help but feel awe in their hearts.

"Brother Xiao, these are Qin Shihuang's Terracotta Warriors. Looking at these figurines, it feels like traveling back to ancient times." Huang Pengfei exclaimed.

"Yes, each of these terracotta warriors has a different face, just like living people." Li Xiao was also deeply attracted by these thousand-year-old guardians.

Led by the tour guide, the two listened carefully to the history and production process of the Terracotta Warriors. Huang Pengfei asked curiously: "How are these terracotta warriors made?"

The tour guide patiently explained: "Each terracotta figurine is handmade, and every detail has been carefully carved."

After the tour, the two came to the Muslim Street, which is Xi'an's snack paradise. They tasted authentic delicacies such as mutton soup steamed buns and cold noodles. Huang Pengfei praised it while eating: "This mutton soup steamed bun is really delicious, with thick soup and fragrant meat. It's so satisfying."

Li Xiao smiled and nodded: "The food in each place has its own unique flavor, which is one of the pleasures of traveling."

As night fell, the two decided to watch a shadow play. Under the dim light, the performers manipulated the shadow puppets with their deft hands and told ancient stories. Li Xiao said to Huang Pengfei: "This shadow play is so magical, every movement is lifelike."

"Yes, these traditional arts are truly amazing," Huang Pengfei responded.

After the performance, the two sat down in a teahouse on Huimin Street, sipping tea and chatting about what they had seen and heard that day. Li Xiao suggested: "Let's go to Huashan tomorrow to experience the feeling of 'Huashan Sword Contest'."

Huang Pengfei said excitedly: "Great, I've always wanted to see the steepness of Mount Huashan."

The two chatted in the teahouse until late at night, and then returned to the hotel with anticipation for the next day.

In the morning, Li Xiao and Huang Pengfei set out on their journey to Mount Huashan. The tourist bus they took moved slowly along the winding mountain road, and the scenery outside the window was like a flowing landscape painting.

"Brother Xiao, look at this mountain, it's so steep!" Huang Pengfei pointed at the cliff outside the window, his voice trembling slightly.

"Mount Huashan is famous for its dangers, but don't worry, we have professional guides and safety measures." Li Xiao comforted, but he couldn't help feeling a little nervous inside.

Arriving at the foot of Mount Hua, the two began to climb. The scenery along the way was refreshing, but it also tested their physical strength and courage. Huang Pengfei exclaimed from time to time: "This mountain road is so steep, every step seems to be challenging my own limits."

Li Xiao encouraged him: "Come on, Pengfei, the beautiful scenery is often on the dangerous peaks."

After several hours of hard work, they finally reached the North Peak of Huashan. Standing on the top of the peak, looking around, they saw mountains surrounded by clouds and mist, like a fairyland. Huang Pengfei said excitedly: "Brother Xiao, this scenery is so shocking, all the hard work is worth it!"

"Yes, this is the magic of nature." Li Xiao also sighed.

After going down the mountain, the two tasted the local specialties - Huashan Liangpi and Roujiamo in the town at the foot of the mountain. Huang Pengfei said while eating: "This Roujiamo is really fragrant, with rich gravy and soft but not mushy."

Li Xiao nodded in agreement: "The food in each place has its own unique flavor. This is the charm of traveling."

As night fell, the two stayed in an inn in the town. The owner of the inn warmly invited them to participate in the local bonfire party. Under the light of the fire, the villagers sang and danced. Li Xiao and Huang Pengfei were also infected by the joyful atmosphere and joined the dance.

After the party, the two sat on the terrace of the inn, looking up at the starry sky and talking about their experiences of the day. Li Xiao suggested: "Let's go to Chengdu tomorrow to experience the leisurely life there."

Huang Pengfei responded excitedly: "Yes, I heard that the hotpot and teahouses in Chengdu are very unique."

Under the starry sky, the two made a promise about their expectations for tomorrow, and then fell asleep peacefully.

Li Xiao and Huang Pengfei took the high-speed rail to Chengdu, a city known for its leisurely lifestyle and rich food. As soon as they walked out of the station, they were attracted by a spicy aroma.

"Brother Xiao, this smell, is it hot pot?" Huang Pengfei sniffed the aroma in the air and couldn't help swallowing his saliva. "Yes, Chengdu's hot pot is a must, let's go try it tonight." Li Xiao replied with a smile, and the two of them immediately went to the reserved hot pot restaurant.

The hot pot restaurant was bustling with people, and the steaming hot pot exuded an alluring aroma. Li Xiao and Huang Pengfei ordered a dango hot pot, with one side having spicy red soup and the other side having clear soup, satisfying the needs of different tastes.

"This hotpot is so spicy!" Huang Pengfei kept wiping his sweat while eating, but his face was full of enjoyment.

"The spiciness of Chengdu is layered and spicy, and it makes people linger in the aftertaste." Li Xiao was also immersed in this spicy delicacy.

After eating and drinking, the two decided to go to the night market in Chengdu. The dazzling array of snacks and handicrafts at the night market made them dazzled. Huang Pengfei stopped in front of a stall and picked up a string of candied haws: "Brother Xiao, look at this candied haws, it's bright red and so tempting."

"When you come to Chengdu, how can you not try the snacks here?" Li Xiao said, and bought a string. The two of them ate while walking, enjoying the nightlife of Chengdu.

The next day, they came to the Panda Base, a landmark attraction in Chengdu. Looking at the cute giant and red pandas, they couldn't help but take out their phones to take pictures.

"Brother Xiao, look at this red panda. It looks so cute while eating bamboo!" Huang Pengfei pointed at a red panda eating bamboo and smiled from ear to ear.

"Yes, giant pandas and red pandas are both national treasures of our country. It is a rare opportunity to observe them at such a close distance." Li Xiao was also very excited.

After visiting the panda base, the two sat down in a teahouse near the base to experience Chengdu's tea culture. In the teahouse, people leisurely drank tea, chatted, and played mahjong. Li Xiao and Huang Pengfei also blended into this leisurely atmosphere.

"Brother Xiao, the pace of life in Chengdu is really slow, which makes people feel very relaxed." Huang Pengfei said with emotion.

"Yes, every city has its unique charm, and Chengdu's leisure is one of its charms." Li Xiao responded.

After spending a leisurely afternoon in the teahouse, the two planned their next stop. Li Xiao suggested: "Let's go to Lijiang tomorrow to experience the romance and art there."

Huang Pengfei responded excitedly: "Yes, I heard that Lijiang Ancient Town is very unique. I have wanted to go there for a long time."

The two ended the day's journey in a leisurely manner in Chengdu and looked forward to the next stop, Lijiang.

Li Xiao and Huang Pengfei arrived in Lijiang by plane. This ancient city attracts tourists from all over the world with its unique Naxi culture and romantic atmosphere. As soon as they stepped out of the airport, they were attracted by the fresh air and the magnificent view of Jade Dragon Snow Mountain in the distance.

"Brother Xiao, look at that snow-capped mountain, it's so spectacular!" Huang Pengfei pointed to the Jade Dragon Snow Mountain in the distance, his eyes flashing with excitement.

"Yes, the beauty of Lijiang always makes people feel relaxed and happy." Li Xiao responded, and the two then went to Lijiang Ancient Town.

The stone streets, quaint buildings and the gurgling water of Lijiang Ancient Town form a peaceful and beautiful picture. Li Xiao and Huang Pengfei strolled in the ancient town, feeling the history and culture here.

"Brother Xiao, look at this shop. The handicrafts inside are so exquisite." Huang Pengfei pointed to a small shop selling Naxi handicrafts.

"Indeed, the handicrafts here are very unique. We can buy some as souvenirs." Li Xiao suggested. The two walked into the shop and picked out some exquisite handicrafts.

In the afternoon, they came to the Black Dragon Pool Park in Lijiang. The lake was like a mirror, reflecting the surrounding mountains and ancient buildings. The two sat on a bench by the lake, enjoying the tranquility.

"Brother Xiao, the scenery here is so beautiful. It feels like my soul has been cleansed." Huang Pengfei said with emotion.

"Yes, Lijiang is such a place where people can forget their worries and enjoy life." Li Xiao was also immersed in this tranquility.

In the evening, the two attended a bonfire party of the Naxi people. Under the light of the fire, the Naxi people sang and danced, and Li Xiao and Huang Pengfei were also invited to join. They danced to the rhythm and felt the enthusiasm and joy of the Naxi people.

After the party, the two sat down in a bar in the ancient city, listening to the live band and tasting the local beer. Huang Pengfei said: "Brother Xiao, this trip is really great. Every place has its own unique charm."

"Yes, traveling is to experience different lives and feel different cultures." Li Xiao responded.

After spending a pleasant night in the bar, the two planned their next stop. Li Xiao suggested: "Let's go to Dali tomorrow to experience the romantic scene there."

Huang Pengfei responded excitedly: "Great, I've wanted to visit Erhai Lake and Cangshan Mountain in Dali for a long time."

The two ended the day's journey in the romance of Lijiang and looked forward to the next stop, Dali.

Li Xiao and Huang Pengfei arrived in Dali in the early morning sunshine. The city is famous for its four wonders of "wind, flowers, snow and moon". They stood by the Erhai Lake, looking at the sparkling water and feeling the refreshing breeze on their faces.

"Brother Xiao, this is Erhai Lake. It's so beautiful." Huang Pengfei exclaimed, and the camera in his hand kept capturing the beautiful scenery in front of him.

"Yes, the scenery of Dali always makes people linger." Li Xiao was also immersed in this tranquility.

The two rented a bicycle and rode along Erhai Lake, enjoying the natural scenery along the way. They passed by the foot of Cangshan Mountain, looking at the ancient temples and towers, and feeling the sedimentation of history.

"Brother Xiao, look at the three pagodas over there, they are so spectacular." Huang Pengfei pointed to the three pagodas of Chongsheng Temple in the distance.

"That is one of the symbols of Dali. It has a long history and great cultural value." Li Xiao explained, and the two decided to visit the three pagodas.

Under the Three Pagodas of Chongsheng Temple, the two listened to the tour guide telling the history and legends of the three pagodas. Huang Pengfei asked curiously: "Brother Xiao, do you know how these pagodas were built?"

"It is said that they were built in the Tang Dynasty. I am not sure about the specific details, but what is certain is that they have witnessed the changes of Dali." Li Xiao replied.

In the afternoon, the two strolled around the ancient city of Dali and tasted the local specialties - milk fan and cold chicken rice noodles. While eating, Huang Pengfei said: "This milk fan is really delicious, with a delicate taste and sweet but not greasy."

"Dali's delicious food is also a great enjoyment during the trip." Li Xiao also praised the food.

In the evening, they came to a viewing platform by the Erhai Lake, watching the sunset slowly sink into the Erhai Lake, and the sky was dyed golden. The two sat quietly, enjoying the tranquility and romance.