Punch: From third-rate anchor to top chef

Looking at the bustling crowd, he was full of anticipation. His friend Huang Pengfei, a burly, smiling northern man, had been waiting at the exit for a long time.

"Xiaozi, over here!" Huang Pengfei waved his arms and called out loudly.

Li Xiao walked over quickly and the two hugged each other tightly.

"Pengfei, long time no see. The atmosphere in BJ is still so warm!" Li Xiao said with a smile.

  "Haha, that's right. Let's go. I'll take you to eat some Peking duck to warm up." Huang Pengfei patted Li Xiao's shoulder, and the two walked out of the airport side by side.
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They first came to the famous Wangfujing Street, which was bustling with people and full of snack stalls. Li Xiao and Huang Pengfei walked among the crowds, tasting various snacks.

"This noodle with soybean paste is really authentic, Pengfei, you should try it." Li Xiao handed a bowl to Huang Pengfei while eating.

Huang Pengfei took it and started eating it in big mouthfuls. "Mm, it tastes good, Xiaozi, you have good taste!"

After eating and drinking, the two went to the Palace Museum. Li Xiao was amazed by the grandeur of the Palace Museum.

"This Forbidden City is truly astounding. Every brick and tile exudes the weight of history," Li Xiao said with emotion.

Huang Pengfei nodded in agreement. "Yes, this place has witnessed the change of many dynasties. Every stone has its story."

They toured the Forbidden City for a long time and left reluctantly only when the sun set.

"Next, how about we go to Shichahai to go boating?" Huang Pengfei suggested.

  "Good idea, I haven't rowed a boat in Shichahai yet." Li Xiao responded excitedly.
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The water of Shichahai was sparkling, and the afterglow of the setting sun sprinkled on the water, creating golden ripples. The two rented a small boat and paddled leisurely on the lake.

"Xiaozi, look at the Drum Tower over there, it's so majestic." Huang Pengfei said, pointing to the ancient building in the distance.

"Yes, the night view of BJ is really beautiful." Li Xiao admired the surrounding scenery while rowing.

They rowed on the lake for a long time and only went ashore when night fell.

"Today has been really fulfilling. Where are we going tomorrow?" Li Xiao asked.

"Tomorrow, I will take you to the Great Wall to feel the backbone of the Chinese nation." Huang Pengfei smiled mysteriously.

"The Great Wall? That's the place I've always longed to go to. It's great!" Li Xiao said excitedly.

The two found a small restaurant on the shore of Shichahai, tasted local snacks, watched folk performances, and bought some specialties as souvenirs.

"Today is a perfect day, Pengfei, thank you for your arrangement." Li Xiao said with emotion.

“No, no, our journey has just begun, and there are more surprises waiting for you.” Huang Pengfei said with a smile.

The two ended the first day's journey in the night and looked forward to the Great Wall tour on the second day.

The morning sun shone through the curtains and onto Li Xiao's face. He opened his eyes and stretched. Huang Pengfei had already prepared breakfast, and after the two of them had eaten, they drove to the Great Wall.

"Xiaozi, look, that's the Great Wall." Huang Pengfei said excitedly, pointing to the winding Great Wall in the distance.

Li Xiao looked in the direction he pointed, and saw a Great Wall like a giant dragon undulating among the mountains, majestic and spectacular.

"Wow, this is the Great Wall. It's more spectacular than I imagined!" Li Xiao exclaimed in admiration.

The two climbed up the stone steps step by step. The scenery along the way kept changing, which was a feast for the eyes.

"Xiaozi, do you know that the Great Wall has a history of thousands of years?" Huang Pengfei introduced as they walked.

"Yes, this is not just a line of defense, but also a symbol of the wisdom and courage of the Chinese nation." Li Xiao said with emotion.

They walked and stopped, taking pictures from time to time. On the Great Wall, they met tourists from all over the world, and they communicated with each other and shared their travel stories.

"Pengfei, look at the beacon tower over there, it is truly a witness to history." Li Xiao said, pointing to the beacon tower not far away.

"Yes, it was used to transmit military intelligence in ancient times, but now it has become a place for us to enjoy the beautiful scenery." Huang Pengfei responded with a smile.

The two walked on the Great Wall for a long time, until the sun began to set, and then they left reluctantly.

"Xiaozi, how about we go have an authentic Beijing mutton hotpot after we go down the mountain?" Huang Pengfei suggested.

  "What a good idea! I heard that BJ's shabu-shabu is very famous. I must try it." Li Xiao said excitedly.
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They came to a time-honored mutton hotpot restaurant, the decoration of the restaurant was antique and full of the traditional atmosphere of BJ.

"Boss, give me two plates of mutton, and some vegetables and tofu." Huang Pengfei ordered the dishes skillfully.

"Okay, I'll be there right away." The boss responded enthusiastically.

Li Xiao and Huang Pengfei sat around the hot pot, enjoying the pleasure brought by the delicious food.

"This mutton is so delicious, Pengfei, the restaurant you recommended is really good." Li Xiao said while eating.

"Haha, I'm a regular customer here. The mutton here is selected from the best parts." Huang Pengfei said proudly.

After eating and drinking their fill, the two went to a nearby shop and bought some BJ specialties to take home as gifts.

"Today is another fruitful day. Where are we going tomorrow?" Li Xiao asked.

"Tomorrow, I will take you to Xi'an to see the Terracotta Warriors there and feel the dominance of the ancient emperors." Huang Pengfei smiled mysteriously.

"Terracotta Warriors? That's a world cultural heritage. I've wanted to see it for a long time." Li Xiao said excitedly.

The two ended their second day's journey in the night and looked forward to their third day's trip to Xi'an.

In the morning, Li Xiao and Huang Pengfei arrived in the ancient capital of Xi'an by plane. The air of this city is filled with the fragrance of history, which makes people intoxicated.

"Xiaozi, let's have breakfast first and then go directly to the Terracotta Warriors." Huang Pengfei suggested.

"That's a good idea. I heard that Xi'an's Roujiamo is very famous. Let's go and try it." Li Xiao responded.

The two found a time-honored roujiamo restaurant in a small alley. The chef in the restaurant was skillfully baking steamed buns, and the aroma of meat filled the air.

"Boss, give me two roujiamo, with more meat." Li Xiao ordered the dishes.

"Okay, it will be ready soon." The boss replied enthusiastically.

After the Roujiamo was served, Li Xiao and Huang Pengfei devoured it with relish. The juicy meat and crispy bun skin left a lasting impression. "This Roujiamo is really as good as its reputation says. It's so satisfying!" Li Xiao praised as he ate.

After eating, the two drove to the Qin Shi Huang Terracotta Warriors and Horses Museum. Standing in front of the museum, Li Xiao felt a sense of historical shock.

"Pengfei, look at the scale, it's really spectacular." Li Xiao said as he looked at the Terracotta Warriors and Horses Pit in front of him.

"Yes, this is one of the eight wonders of the world. Each terracotta warrior has a different face, as if telling a story from thousands of years ago," Huang Pengfei explained.

They walked into Pit No. 1 and saw neat rows of terracotta warriors and horses. The expression of each figurine was so lifelike that it seemed as if they could hear the sound of trumpets on the ancient battlefield.

"Xiaozi, look at the general figurine over there, how majestic it is." Huang Pengfei said, pointing to a tall pottery figurine.

"Indeed, the craftsmanship of these terracotta figurines is so exquisite, and every detail is handled so finely." Li Xiao exclaimed.

The two toured the museum for a long time, and only left reluctantly when the afternoon sun shone through the window onto the ancient pottery figurines.

"Xiaozi, let's go to the Big Wild Goose Pagoda next. It is a Buddhist holy place in the Tang Dynasty." Huang Pengfei suggested.

  "Okay, I'm also interested in Buddhist culture, let's go take a look." Li Xiao said excitedly.
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The Big Wild Goose Pagoda stands tall and majestic, with a simple and elegant tower body and surrounded by green trees, giving people a feeling of tranquility and peace.

"Xiaozi, look at this tower, the architectural style of the Tang Dynasty is really unique." Huang Pengfei said, pointing at the Big Wild Goose Pagoda.

"Yes, every brick here reveals the vicissitudes of history." Li Xiao said with emotion.

They strolled around the Big Wild Goose Pagoda, feeling the influence of ancient Buddhist culture. Afterwards, the two tasted Xi'an's special snacks, such as cold noodles and mutton soup buns, and every dish was praised.

"Today is another fruitful day, Pengfei. You really know Xi'an very well." Li Xiao said with a smile.

"Haha, I'm a frequent visitor here. Next time I come, I'll take you to more good places." Huang Pengfei said proudly.

  The two ended the third day's journey in the night at Big Wild Goose Pagoda and looked forward to the fourth day's exploration.
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As the morning light shone, Li Xiao and Huang Pengfei embarked on a journey to Jiangnan. They chose Suzhou as their next destination, a city famous for its gardens and water towns.

"Xiaozi, Suzhou's gardens are unique. Let's go to the Humble Administrator's Garden first." Huang Pengfei said while driving.

"Gardens? I heard that they are the representative of Chinese classical gardens. I am very much looking forward to it." Li Xiao responded curiously.

They soon arrived at the Humble Administrator's Garden, which was lined with green trees, flowing water, pavilions and towers, like a moving painting.

"This garden is so beautiful that it takes your breath away. Every step you take is a scene." Li Xiao exclaimed.

"Yes, the design here is really ingenious, and every corner has its own story." Huang Pengfei couldn't help but sigh.

The two strolled in the garden, taking photos from time to time and appreciating every carefully designed scene. They also visited the teahouse in the garden and tasted the local Biluochun tea, which was full of fragrance and made people feel relaxed and happy.

"This tea is so fragrant, just like this garden, it makes people linger in the aftertaste." Li Xiao said while sipping the tea.

"Yes, Suzhou's tea culture is also a major feature." Huang Pengfei nodded in agreement.

In the afternoon, they decided to go to Zhouzhuang Ancient Town to experience the charm of the Jiangnan water town. The small bridges, flowing water, white walls and black tiles in the ancient town made people feel like they had traveled back to ancient times.

"Xiaozi, look at this ancient town, do you feel like you are going back in time?" Huang Pengfei said, pointing to the scenery of the ancient town.

"Indeed, every brick and tile here exudes the weight of history." Li Xiao responded with emotion.

They toured the ancient town, visited local handicraft shops, and tasted local snacks such as candied lotus root, squirrel fish, etc. Every dish was highly praised.

"This candied lotus root is sweet but not greasy. It's really delicious." Li Xiao said while eating.

"Haha, the snacks here are also amazing. Next time I come, I'll take you to try other ones." Huang Pengfei said with a smile.

As the sun sets, the scenery of the ancient town becomes more charming. The two found a small restaurant by the river, enjoying the river view and tasting local food.

"Today is a perfect day, Pengfei. You really know Suzhou very well." Li Xiao said with emotion.

"Haha, I'm a frequent visitor here. Next time I come, I'll take you to more good places." Huang Pengfei said proudly.

The two ended their fourth day's journey in the night of the ancient town and looked forward to the fifth day's exploration.

As the first rays of morning sun shined on the windowsill, Li Xiao and Huang Pengfei had already set out on the road to Huangshan. Huangshan, known as the "No. 1 Strange Mountain in the World", was one of the destinations they were most looking forward to on this trip.

"Xiaozi, the sunrise at Huangshan is truly spectacular. We have to set off early." Huang Pengfei said as he packed his luggage.

"Sunrise? I heard that watching the sunrise in Huangshan is one of the greatest pleasures in life and it is definitely not to be missed." Li Xiao responded excitedly.

They drove to the foot of Huangshan Mountain, changed to the scenic area bus, and then took the cable car all the way up, through the clouds, to the top of the mountain.

"Wow, the scenery is so spectacular!" Li Xiao exclaimed as he stood on the top of the mountain, looking at the rolling hills in front of him and the sea of ​​clouds under his feet.

"Yes, Huangshan is famous for its strange pines, strange rocks, sea of ​​clouds and hot springs." Huang Pengfei pointed to the distance and said, "Look, that's the famous Welcoming Pine over there."

The two walked along the mountain road, admiring various peculiar pine trees and strange rocks of different shapes. They took a group photo in front of the Welcoming Pine, feeling the majesty and mystery of Huangshan.

“Pengfei, look at these pine trees. They grow in such a dangerous place. They are really tenacious.” Li Xiao said with emotion.

"Yes, this is also a great wonder of Huangshan." Huang Pengfei nodded in agreement.

As time went by, they finally arrived at the best spot to watch the sunrise. The sky gradually turned pale, followed by the gorgeous morning glow, and finally the sun rose slowly, dyeing the entire Huangshan Mountain with a layer of gold.

"This sunrise is so beautiful. It feels like all the waiting is worth it." Li Xiao said excitedly.

"Yes, the sunrise over Huangshan is a beautiful sight that every tourist who comes here does not want to miss." Huang Pengfei also exclaimed.

After enjoying the sunrise, they continued their tour and visited other attractions in Huangshan, such as Feilai Stone, Monkey Watching the Sea, etc., and enjoyed a simple but delicious lunch at the restaurant on the top of the mountain.

"Xiaozi, the beautiful scenery of Huangshan is so fascinating, but all good things must come to an end. We should go down the mountain," Huang Pengfei reminded.

"Well, although I am reluctant to leave, I believe this trip will be one of the most unforgettable memories in my life." Li Xiao said with emotion.

  The two ended their fifth day's journey in the beautiful scenery of Huangshan Mountain and set off on their return journey with full harvest and wonderful memories.
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After a few days of immersing themselves in the magnificent scenery of Huangshan, Li Xiao and Huang Pengfei decided to go to Yunnan to experience the unique style of Lijiang Ancient Town. They flew through the clouds and landed in this colorful land.

"Xiaozi, Lijiang Ancient Town has a history of more than 800 years, and the Naxi culture here is very unique." Huang Pengfei introduced while driving. (End of this chapter)