Punch: From third-rate anchor to top chef

Li Xiao stood in the center of Tiananmen Square. The first rays of sunlight in the morning shone on his face. He took a deep breath of fresh air and turned to Huang Pengfei beside him and said, "Pengfei, this morning in the capital is so refreshing!"

Huang Pengfei responded with a smile: "Yes, Brother Xiao, we have to enjoy this trip."

The two were good friends in college, and after graduation they were busy with their own things. This trip was a reunion after many years of not seeing each other. They planned to start from the capital and go all the way south to experience the beautiful mountains and rivers of China.

"Let's go to the Forbidden City first. It is a witness to China's history." Li Xiao suggested.

"Good idea. I heard that the architecture and cultural relics in the Forbidden City are world-class," Huang Pengfei said excitedly.

They walked through the bustling crowd and arrived at the gate of the Forbidden City. Li Xiao bought two tickets and the two of them followed the tourists into the palace.

"Wow, this palace is so spectacular!" Huang Pengfei exclaimed.

"Yes, every brick and every tile contains a historical story," Li Xiao responded.

They strolled through the corridors of the Forbidden City, admiring the exquisite architecture and precious cultural relics. Li Xiao introduced the history and stories of various palaces to Huang Pengfei from time to time, and the conversation between the two was full of awe for history and love for culture.

After the tour, they came to Wangfujing Snack Street. "The snacks here are unique in the capital, we have to try them," said Li Xiao.

"Of course I have to. I've heard that the capital's snacks are diverse and have unique flavors." Huang Pengfei responded impatiently.

They tasted authentic capital snacks such as bean juice, noodles with soybean paste, and candied haws, and every bite was full of satisfaction.

As night fell, the two came to the bar street in Houhai. "The night here has a unique flavor," said Li Xiao.

"Yes, let's find a place to sit down and enjoy the night of this capital." Huang Pengfei suggested.

They sat down in a bar, ordered two beers, listened to live folk music performances, and felt the nightlife of the capital.

"Brother Xiao, this trip really opened my eyes." Huang Pengfei said with emotion.

"This is just the beginning. The journey ahead will be even more exciting." Li Xiao said with a smile.

The two chatted in the bar until late at night, sharing each other's stories and dreams, and they left reluctantly only when the bar closed.

"Tomorrow, let's go to the Great Wall. It is the pride of China." Li Xiao suggested.

"Okay, I've long wanted to see the winding Great Wall." Huang Pengfei responded excitedly.

In the night of Houhai, the two planned the next day's itinerary, their hearts full of anticipation and excitement.

The next day, Li Xiao and Huang Pengfei got up early and took the subway to the foot of the Great Wall. The sunlight shone through the clouds and sprinkled on the winding Great Wall, which looked particularly spectacular.

"This is the Great Wall, it's so majestic!" Huang Pengfei said excitedly.

"Yes, this is a world cultural heritage, witnessing the ancient Chinese military defense system." Li Xiao explained as they walked.

They began to climb the Great Wall, feeling the weight of history with every step. Li Xiao stopped from time to time to take pictures of the beauty of the Great Wall with his mobile phone, while Huang Pengfei was full of curiosity about the structure and history of the Great Wall.

"Brother Xiao, look at the beacon tower over there. Was it used to transmit military intelligence in ancient times?" Huang Pengfei asked, pointing at the beacon tower in the distance.

"Yes, the beacon tower is an ancient communication system. Once there is an enemy situation, the beacon will be lit to transmit information." Li Xiao replied.

As they climbed, the two discussed the history and culture of the Great Wall, and their conversation was full of admiration for ancient wisdom.

"Brother Xiao, look at the tourists over there. They seem to be taking photos." Huang Pengfei said, pointing at a group of tourists who were taking photos.

"Let's take a few photos. This is a rare experience." Li Xiao suggested.

They found a good spot, took photos of each other, and left behind precious memories on the Great Wall.

As time went by, they finally reached a high point of the Great Wall. Looking around, the Great Wall was like a giant dragon, winding between the mountains.

"The scenery is so beautiful. I feel like I'm standing at the pinnacle of history," Huang Pengfei said with emotion.

"Yes, every time I come to the Great Wall, I have different feelings." Li Xiao responded.

They stayed on the Great Wall for a long time, until the sun began to set, and then they reluctantly began to go down the mountain.

"How about we try the capital's roast duck after we get down the mountain?" Li Xiao suggested.

"Good idea. I've heard that the capital's roast duck is a specialty." Huang Pengfei responded excitedly.

They came to a famous roast duck restaurant and ordered a roast duck. When the roast duck was served, the golden skin exuded an enticing aroma.

"This roast duck looks delicious." Huang Pengfei couldn't wait to pick up a piece.

"Eat slowly, don't burn yourself." Li Xiao reminded with a smile.

While enjoying the delicious roast duck, the two discussed today's trip to the Great Wall, and their conversation was filled with laughter.

"Brother Xiao, I really gained a lot from this trip." Huang Pengfei said with satisfaction.

"This is just the beginning. The journey ahead will be even more exciting." Li Xiao said with a smile.

The two spent a pleasant evening in the roast duck restaurant, their hearts full of expectations for tomorrow.

With the roar of the train, Li Xiao and Huang Pengfei embarked on their journey to Xi'an. They were full of expectations for this ancient capital, especially for those famous historical sites.

"Pengfei, do you know? Xi'an is one of the four ancient capitals of China and has a history of more than 3,000 years." Li Xiao said to Huang Pengfei on the train.

"Of course I know. I also heard that the Terracotta Warriors here are the eighth wonder of the world!" Huang Pengfei responded excitedly.

The train slowly pulled into Xi'an Station, and the two could not wait to walk out of the station and head straight to the Terracotta Warriors and Horses Museum. In the sunlight, the gate of the museum looked solemn and mysterious.

"These terracotta warriors are so spectacular, each one is lifelike." Huang Pengfei stood in front of Pit No. 1 and marveled.

"Yes, these are Qin Shihuang's burial objects, representing the pinnacle of ancient sculpture art," Li Xiao explained.

They carefully observed every detail of the Terracotta Warriors, from the soldiers' armor to the horses' manes, every detail revealed the exquisite craftsmanship of ancient craftsmen.

"Brother Xiao, look at the tour guide over there, he seems to be explaining the history of the Terracotta Warriors." Huang Pengfei pointed to the tour guide not far away and said. "Let's go and listen, maybe we can learn more interesting stories." Li Xiao suggested.

They joined the tour guide and listened to the legends and history of the Terracotta Warriors. Huang Pengfei asked the tour guide questions from time to time, showing great interest.

After the tour, the two decided to try Xi'an's famous delicacy - Roujiamo.

"This roujiamo is really worthy of its reputation, the meat is fragrant and the steamed bun is baked to perfection." Huang Pengfei exclaimed as he ate.

"Yes, the snacks here are very unique. How about we try mutton soup with steamed buns tomorrow?" Li Xiao suggested.

"Good idea, I can't wait." Huang Pengfei responded excitedly.

The next day, they came to Muslim Street, where a variety of Xi'an special snacks gathered. They tasted mutton soup, cold noodles, spicy soup, etc., and they praised each one.

"Brother Xiao, the snacks here are so delicious that I don't want to leave." Huang Pengfei said with a smile.

"Haha, don't be anxious. We still have a long journey ahead of us, and there are many delicious foods waiting for us to discover." Li Xiao comforted.

In the lively atmosphere of Muslim Street, the two enjoyed the food and felt the charm of the ancient capital of Xi'an.

"Pengfei, let's go to the Big Wild Goose Pagoda tomorrow. It is one of the landmark buildings in Xi'an." Li Xiao suggested.

"Okay, I heard there is a musical fountain show there, so it would be perfect to go there in the evening." Huang Pengfei said expectantly.

The two of them were planning their next day's itinerary in the night of Muslim Street, their hearts filled with longing for the West.
As the journey deepens, the friendship between Li Xiao and Huang Pengfei continues to deepen. They experience the customs and practices of various parts of China together, leaving behind unforgettable memories. The next chapters can continue to explore the unique charm of other cities in China, and show more Chinese culture and history through their perspectives.
After finishing their trip in Xi'an, Li Xiao and Huang Pengfei took the high-speed rail to Suzhou, a city famous for its gardens that has attracted countless tourists with its unique Jiangnan water town style.

"Pengfei, Suzhou's gardens are the representatives of Chinese garden art. The Humble Administrator's Garden we are going to today is one of the four famous gardens." Li Xiao said to Huang Pengfei on the way to the Humble Administrator's Garden.

"I have long wanted to see those gardens with my own eyes. I heard that they are very exquisitely designed and there are stories in every corner." Huang Pengfei is full of anticipation.

The gate of the Humble Administrator's Garden slowly opened, and the two seemed to have traveled through time and space and arrived in a peaceful and elegant world. The rockery, flowing water, pavilions and towers in the garden all revealed the wisdom and aesthetics of the ancients.

"Brother Xiao, look at the lotus pond over there. The lotus flowers are in full bloom. They are so beautiful." Huang Pengfei said, pointing to the lotus pond not far away.

"Yes, the lotus flowers and garden scenery here complement each other and make people feel relaxed and happy." Li Xiao responded.

The two strolled in the garden, stopping from time to time to take photos. They admired every corner of the garden and felt the ancient people's love for life and pursuit of beauty.

"Pengfei, look at the pavilion over there. We can go there to rest and have something to eat." Li Xiao suggested.

"Good idea. I brought some Suzhou snacks. We can eat them while enjoying the scenery." Huang Pengfei took out the prepared snacks.

They sat down in the pavilion, tasting Suzhou snacks and enjoying the tranquility of the garden. Their conversation was full of praise for garden art and emotion about life.

"Brother Xiao, the gardens here are so intoxicating that I don't want to leave." Huang Pengfei said with emotion.

"Haha, don't be anxious, we still have many beautiful sights to see. Tomorrow we will go to Tiger Hill, where there are the famous Tiger Hill Pagoda and Sword Pond." Li Xiao reminded.

"Okay, I can't wait." Huang Pengfei responded excitedly.

The next day, they came to Tiger Hill. The Tiger Hill Pagoda was soaring into the clouds, and the Sword Pond was mysterious. Here, the two felt another side of Suzhou.

"Brother Xiao, look at the Tiger Hill Pagoda. Its history can be traced back to the Song Dynasty." Huang Pengfei said, pointing at the Tiger Hill Pagoda.

"Yes, every scenic spot here has a long history, which makes people want to know more." Li Xiao responded.

They spent the whole day touring Tiger Hill and left reluctantly only when the sun set.

"Pengfei, let's go try Suzhou's squirrel fish today. It's a famous dish in Suzhou." Li Xiao suggested.

"Okay, I've heard about it for a long time, and I must try it today." Huang Pengfei said expectantly.

The two tasted squirrel fish in a famous restaurant, and they were full of praise for the delicious fish meat and the sweet and sour sauce.

"Brother Xiao, this trip was really great. I learned a lot and experienced a lot." Huang Pengfei said with satisfaction.

"Yes, every trip is a new discovery, and every discovery makes our lives more colorful." Li Xiao said with a smile.

In the night of Suzhou, the two planned their next journey, their hearts filled with curiosity about the unknown and yearning for beautiful things.

As the gardens of Suzhou gradually faded away, Li Xiao and Huang Pengfei embarked on a journey to Hangzhou. Hangzhou, a city famous for its West Lake, had already planted the seeds of expectation in their hearts.

"Pengfei, the beauty of West Lake is world-famous. The West Lake we are going to today is known as 'paradise on earth'." Li Xiao said to Huang Pengfei on the train.

"I have long wanted to see the legendary 'Broken Bridge with Snow' and 'Autumn Moon over Calm Lake'. I heard the scenery there is breathtakingly beautiful." Huang Pengfei was full of longing.

The train slowly pulled into Hangzhou Station, and the two could not wait to walk out of the station and head straight for the West Lake. The West Lake sparkled in the sun, and the cruise ships on the lake dotted the water, forming a moving picture.

"Brother Xiao, look at the Leifeng Pagoda over there. Its story is so touching." Huang Pengfei said, pointing to the Leifeng Pagoda in the distance.

"Yes, the love story of White Snake and Xu Xian makes this tower full of legends." Li Xiao responded.

The two strolled along the lakeshore, stopping from time to time to take photos. They admired every corner of West Lake and felt the history and culture here.

"Pengfei, look at the lotus flowers over there. They are in full bloom. They are so beautiful." Li Xiao said, pointing at the lotus flowers in the lake.

"Yes, the lotus flowers here and the scenery of West Lake complement each other and make people feel relaxed and happy." Huang Pengfei responded.

The two sat down in a pavilion by the lake, enjoying the tranquility of West Lake. They tasted Longjing tea from Hangzhou and felt the blend of tea fragrance and lake breeze.

"Brother Xiao, the tea here is so fragrant, as unforgettable as the scenery of West Lake." Huang Pengfei exclaimed.

"Yes, Hangzhou's Longjing tea is one of the top ten famous teas in China. Like the beautiful scenery of West Lake, it is a rare enjoyment." Li Xiao responded.

The next day, they arrived at Lingyin Temple. The sound of the ancient temple bells echoed in the mountains, giving people a feeling of tranquility and far-reaching tranquility.

"Brother Xiao, look at those pilgrims. Their expressions are so pious." Huang Pengfei pointed at the pilgrims who were burning incense and said. (End of this chapter)