Punch: From third-rate anchor to top chef

Chapter 1545 12.
Li Xiao stood in front of the Meridian Gate of the Forbidden City in the capital, looking at this royal palace that has gone through 600 years of wind and rain, and felt an inexplicable excitement in his heart. His friend Huang Pengfei stood beside him. Both of them were visiting this famous historical city for the first time.

"Brother Xiao, this is the Forbidden City. It's even more spectacular than what we see on TV!" Huang Pengfei said excitedly.

Li Xiao nodded, with a glimmer of anticipation in his eyes: "Yes, Pengfei, we are going to have a good tour today."

The two walked through the Meridian Gate and slowly moved forward along the central axis. The sunlight shone on the magnificent palace, reflecting a dazzling light. They first came to the Hall of Supreme Harmony, which is the largest palace in the Forbidden City and the place where the emperor held grand ceremonies.

"Look at this dragon throne, it's so majestic!" Huang Pengfei exclaimed, pointing at the dragon throne in the hall.

Li Xiao smiled and responded: "Yes, this is the emperor's throne, symbolizing supreme power."

They continued their tour and visited important buildings such as the Palace of Heavenly Purity, the Palace of Union and Peace, and the Palace of Earthly Tranquility. Each palace has its own unique history and story. Li Xiao and Huang Pengfei discussed the history of these palaces as they walked, and their conversation was full of curiosity and awe for history.

"Brother Xiao, look at the Imperial Garden over there. Let's go over there and take a look." Huang Pengfei said, pointing to the Imperial Garden not far away.

"Good idea. The Imperial Garden is the essence of the Forbidden City." Li Xiao agreed.

The two walked into the Imperial Garden, where they saw towering ancient trees, exotic flowers and plants, small bridges and flowing water, pavilions and towers. They strolled in the garden, admiring the beauty of this royal garden.

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

Li Xiao smiled and patted his shoulder: "Don't worry, we still have many attractions to see."

After visiting the Imperial Garden, the two came to the Treasure House of the Forbidden City, which houses a large number of precious cultural relics, each of which is a witness to history.

"Wow, these treasures are so beautiful!" Huang Pengfei marveled at the gold and silver utensils and jewelry on display.

Li Xiao also stared at them intently: "Each piece is a priceless treasure, representing the superb skills of ancient craftsmen."

After visiting the Treasure House, the two felt a little hungry, so they decided to taste the authentic food of the capital.

"I heard that the capital's roast duck is very famous, let's go try it," Li Xiao suggested.

"Good idea, I've wanted to try it for a long time." Huang Pengfei responded excitedly.

They found a famous roast duck restaurant and ordered a roast duck. When the roast duck was served, the golden skin and fragrant aroma made people salivate.

"This roast duck is so delicious, with crispy skin and tender meat, and it tastes amazing!" Huang Pengfei exclaimed as he ate.

Li Xiao also ate with gusto: "Indeed, the taste of this roast duck is unforgettable."

After eating and drinking, the two went to see a Peking Opera performance. The actors on the stage were dressed in gorgeous costumes, singing in high-pitched and passionate voices, and the performance was wonderful.

"This Peking Opera is so charming. I feel like I have integrated myself into the story," Huang Pengfei said with emotion.

Li Xiao also felt the same way: "Yes, Peking Opera is the quintessence of China. Every time I watch it, it is a spiritual baptism."

After the performance, the two bought some Forbidden City-themed souvenirs at the Forbidden City’s souvenir shop, preparing to take them home as a souvenir of their trip.

As the afterglow of the setting sun shines on the red walls of the Forbidden City, Li Xiao and Huang Pengfei end their one-day tour of the Forbidden City. With full memories and gains, they are ready to go to the next destination.

"We have gained a lot today. Where are we going next?" Huang Pengfei asked excitedly.

Li Xiao smiled mysteriously: "Next stop, we will go to Xi'an to see the magnificence of the Terracotta Warriors."

As the train slowly pulled into Xi'an Station, Li Xiao and Huang Pengfei were filled with yearning for this ancient capital. Their destination was the world-famous Qin Shi Huang Terracotta Warriors and Horses Museum.

"Brother Xiao, I heard that the Terracotta Warriors were buried with Qin Shihuang. Is that true?" Huang Pengfei asked curiously.

Li Xiao nodded, his eyes flashing with respect for history: "Yes, these terracotta warriors were made to protect the peace of Qin Shihuang in the underworld."

The two took a taxi to the Terracotta Warriors and Horses Museum. As soon as they got off the taxi, they were shocked by the scene in front of them. In the square outside the museum, the huge statue of Qin Shihuang stood majestically, as if telling a thousand years of history.

"This statue is so spectacular. Qin Shihuang is indeed the overlord who unified the six kingdoms." Huang Pengfei exclaimed.

Li Xiao smiled and said, "Let's go in and see the real Terracotta Warriors."

They walked into the museum and first came to Pit No. 1, where thousands of terracotta warriors and horses were displayed, each of which was lifelike, as if ready to go to war at any time.

"Looking at these terracotta warriors, each one has a different face and expression, it's amazing," Huang Pengfei exclaimed.

Li Xiao was also deeply touched: "Yes, these terracotta warriors show the exquisite skills and extreme pursuit of details of ancient craftsmen."

They continued to visit Pit 2 and Pit 3, each of which gave them a deeper understanding of ancient civilization. In the museum's cultural relic restoration area, they also saw staff repairing damaged terracotta warriors.

"These restoration works are so meticulous, and every piece of debris has to be pieced together carefully," Huang Pengfei said with emotion.

Li Xiao nodded: "This is not only restoring cultural relics, but also restoring history."

After visiting the Terracotta Warriors, their stomachs started to growl, so they decided to try some authentic Xi'an food - mutton soup with steamed buns.

"This mutton soup with steamed bun is absolutely amazing. The mutton is fresh and delicious, and the steamed bun is soft but not mushy. The combination is simply perfect." Huang Pengfei exclaimed as he ate.

Li Xiao also ate with gusto: "Yes, this taste is really unforgettable."

After eating and drinking, the two went to see a Qinqiang performance. The actors on the stage were dressed in ancient costumes and performed ancient stories, making the two seem to have traveled back to that distant era.

"This Qinqiang opera is so charming, and every movement is full of power," Huang Pengfei exclaimed.

Li Xiao also feels the same way: "Yes, Qinqiang is the traditional opera of Shaanxi. Every time I watch it, it is a cultural experience."

After the performance, the two bought some replicas of the Terracotta Warriors in the museum's souvenir shop to take home as souvenirs of their trip.

As night fell, Li Xiao and Huang Pengfei ended their one-day tour of the Terracotta Warriors and Horses. They were ready to go to the next destination with full of memories and gains.

"Today is really an eye-opener. Where are we going next?" Huang Pengfei asked excitedly.

Li Xiao smiled mysteriously: "Next stop, we will go to Hangzhou to see the beautiful scenery of West Lake."

Li Xiao and Huang Pengfei stood on the Su Causeway of West Lake in Hangzhou, looking at the sparkling water on the lake and feeling the gentleness and tranquility of the Jiangnan water town. The purpose of their trip was to appreciate the poetry and beauty of West Lake.

"Brother Xiao, how come the water in West Lake is so clear? I can even see the fish at the bottom of the lake." Huang Pengfei exclaimed. Li Xiao smiled and replied, "That's because the water quality of West Lake is well protected, and the ecological environment here is also very harmonious."

The two strolled along the Su Causeway, enjoying the beautiful scenery along the way. The Su Causeway in the spring dawn, the Broken Bridge in the snow, the Calm Lake in the autumn moon, the Leifeng Pagoda in the sunset... every scene is full of poetry.

"Look at the Leifeng Pagoda over there. According to legend, the White Snake was trapped under the pagoda." Huang Pengfei said, pointing to the Leifeng Pagoda in the distance.

Li Xiao nodded: "Yes, that is the story of The Legend of the White Snake, one of the four great folk love legends in China."

They continued walking and came to the Broken Bridge, where tourists were constantly visiting and taking photos.

"Brother Xiao, look at this Broken Bridge, is it the place where Xu Xian and White Snake met?" Huang Pengfei asked curiously.

Li Xiao smiled and replied: "Yes, this is where they met and where their love story began."

The two stayed on the Broken Bridge for a while, feeling the atmosphere of this legendary love. Afterwards, they rented a boat, sailed on the lake, and admired the beauty of West Lake up close.

"The breeze on the lake is so comfortable. I feel relaxed." Huang Pengfei enjoyed the breeze from the lake.

Li Xiao also felt the same way: "Yes, the beauty of West Lake lies not only in its scenery, but also in the peace of mind it brings to people."

They took a boat trip to visit scenic spots such as the Three Pools Mirroring the Moon and the Flower Harbor Fish Viewing Park, and each of them made them linger.

"Brother Xiao, look at those fish. They swim so freely in the water." Huang Pengfei said, pointing at the fish in the lake.

Li Xiao smiled and said, "Yes, the fish here are also very happy, living in such a beautiful environment."

After touring the West Lake, the two decided to taste the authentic Hangzhou delicacy - West Lake Vinegar Fish.

"This vinegar fish is so delicious. The fish meat is tender and the vinegar has a moderate sweet and sour taste. It's so tasty." Huang Pengfei exclaimed as he ate.

Li Xiao also ate with gusto: "Yes, this vinegar fish is a specialty of Hangzhou. Every bite is a treat for the taste buds."

After eating and drinking, the two went to see a Yue Opera performance in Hangzhou. The actors on the stage were dressed in gorgeous costumes, singing softly and performing delicately, making the two feel as if they were in the poetic and picturesque scenery of the Jiangnan water town.

"This Yue Opera is so beautiful. Every movement is full of the charm of Jiangnan area," Huang Pengfei said with emotion.

Li Xiao also feels the same way: "Yes, Yue Opera is a traditional opera in Jiangnan. Every time I watch it, it is a cultural experience."

After the performance, the two bought some West Lake-themed souvenirs at a souvenir shop by the West Lake, preparing to take them home as a souvenir of their trip.

As night fell, Li Xiao and Huang Pengfei ended their one-day tour of West Lake. With full of memories and gains, they prepared to go to the next destination.

"We have gained a lot today. Where are we going next?" Huang Pengfei asked excitedly.

Li Xiao smiled mysteriously: "Next stop, we will go to Huangshan to see the sea of ​​clouds and strange pines."

Li Xiao and Huang Pengfei stood at the foot of Huangshan Mountain, looking up at the rolling peaks, surrounded by clouds and mist, like a fairyland. The goal of their trip was to explore the strange pines, strange rocks, sea of ​​clouds and hot springs of Huangshan Mountain.

"Brother Xiao, Mount Huangshan is even more spectacular than I imagined. Look at those peaks, they are just like in the paintings." Huang Pengfei said excitedly.

Li Xiao nodded, his eyes sparkling with awe for nature: "Yes, Huangshan is known as the 'first strange mountain in the world', its beauty is unique."

The two began to climb, admiring the strange pines of Huangshan along the way. These pines grew on the cliffs and had different shapes, some like dragons, some like phoenixes, and some like immortals pointing the way.

"Look at that pine tree. It looks like a phoenix spreading its wings and ready to fly." Huang Pengfei said, pointing to a pine tree.

Li Xiao smiled and responded: "That is the Phoenix Pine, one of the iconic landscapes of Huangshan."

They continued walking and came to the famous Monkey Sea Viewing Spot, where one could overlook the entire sea of ​​clouds, which rolled like a rough sea.

"This sea of ​​clouds is so spectacular, just like a real sea," Huang Pengfei exclaimed.

Li Xiao also felt the same way: "Yes, the sea of ​​clouds in Huangshan is a great wonder, which is breathtaking."

The two stayed at Monkey Sea View for a while, then continued to climb and came to Feilai Rock, a huge rock standing on the top of the mountain, as if it had fallen from the sky.

"Brother Xiao, how did this stone get here?" Huang Pengfei asked curiously.

Li Xiao explained: "This is the result of geological movement. After a long period of weathering and erosion, such a wonder was formed."

They continued their tour and admired the strange rocks of Huangshan, such as the Fairy's Fingering Path and the Lion Peak, each of which was amazing.

"Brother Xiao, look at the hot spring over there, how about we go and take a dip?" Huang Pengfei suggested.

"Good idea. Soaking in hot springs can relieve fatigue and relax the body and mind." Li Xiao agreed.

The two came to the hot springs in Huangshan, soaked in the warm spring water, and enjoyed the gift of nature.

"This hot spring is so comfortable. I feel relaxed." Huang Pengfei said with satisfaction.

Li Xiao also felt very relaxed: "Yes, the hot springs in Huangshan have high medicinal value and are very good for the body."

After soaking in the hot springs, the two decided to taste Huangshan’s authentic delicacy - Mao tofu.

"This hairy tofu has a unique flavor. It's crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, and it has a unique taste." Huang Pengfei exclaimed as he ate.

Li Xiao also ate with gusto: "Yes, Mao tofu is a specialty of Huangshan. Every bite is a challenge to the taste buds."

After eating and drinking, the two went to see a Huangshan Hui Opera performance. The actors on the stage were dressed in gorgeous costumes, singing loudly and performing vividly, making the two seem to have traveled back to that ancient era.

"This Huizhou opera is so charming. Every movement is full of Huizhou style." Huang Pengfei said with emotion.

Li Xiao also feels the same way: "Yes, Hui Opera is the traditional opera of Huizhou. Every time I watch it, it is a cultural experience."

After the performance, the two bought some Huangshan souvenirs at a Huangshan souvenir shop, preparing to take them home as a souvenir of their trip.

As night fell, Li Xiao and Huang Pengfei ended their one-day tour in Huangshan, and prepared to go to the next destination with full of memories and gains.