Punch: From third-rate anchor to top chef

Li Xiao and Huang Pengfei stood in front of the Meridian Gate of the Forbidden City in Beijing, looking at this royal palace that has gone through 600 years of wind and rain, their hearts filled with awe. The sunlight sprinkled on the golden glazed tiles, reflecting a dazzling light, as if telling the glory of history.

"Brother Xiao, when you look at the Forbidden City, do you have the feeling of traveling through time and space?" Huang Pengfei said excitedly.

Li Xiao nodded, with curiosity glittering in his eyes: "Yes, Pengfei, every brick and tile here carries countless stories."

The two passed through the Meridian Gate and walked slowly along the central axis. They first came to the Hall of Supreme Harmony, where the emperor held grand ceremonies. The magnificent architecture amazed the two.

"Brother Xiao, look at this Hall of Supreme Harmony. Isn't it more spectacular than on TV?" Huang Pengfei pointed at the dragon-shaped decoration on the top of the hall, his eyes full of amazement.

Li Xiao smiled and said, "Of course, the real thing is always more shocking than the image."

They continued to walk forward and visited the Qianqing Palace, Jiaotai Hall and other palaces. Each palace has its own stories and legends. In the Imperial Garden, the two were attracted by the exotic flowers and plants here. Huang Pengfei couldn't help but take out his mobile phone and took beautiful photos.

"Brother Xiao, look at this flower, isn't it beautiful?" Huang Pengfei excitedly showed his masterpiece.

Li Xiao nodded and praised: "Indeed, the flowers and trees here are carefully cultivated, and each one has its own history."

After visiting the Forbidden City, the two came to the nearby Wangfujing Snack Street, where delicacies from all over the country are gathered. While tasting Beijing roast duck and noodles with soybean paste, the two discussed what they saw and heard in the Forbidden City.

"Pengfei, what do you think is the most impressive thing about the Forbidden City?" Li Xiao asked while eating.

Huang Pengfei thought for a moment and said, "I think it's the architectural art of those palaces. They are so exquisite."

Li Xiao nodded in agreement: "Yes, every detail reveals the wisdom of the ancients."

After eating and drinking, the two came to the Folk Performance Center of BJ, where they watched a wonderful Peking Opera performance, and the actors' superb skills opened their eyes.

"Brother Xiao, don't you think this Peking Opera is more exciting than the movies?" Huang Pengfei said excitedly.

Li Xiao responded with a smile: "Of course, the feeling of being there is incomparable to any video."

After the performance, the two bought some BJ specialties, such as cloisonné and Beijing embroidery, at a nearby specialty store, preparing to take them home as souvenirs.

"Pengfei, what do you think of today's itinerary?" Li Xiao asked on the way back to the hotel.

Huang Pengfei replied excitedly: "Great, Brother Xiao, where are we going tomorrow?"

Li Xiao smiled mysteriously: "Tomorrow, we will go to another famous historical city in China - Xi'an."

The laughter of the two floated in the night wind. Their journey had just begun...

The next day, Li Xiao and Huang Pengfei arrived in Xi'an early. Their destination was the world cultural heritage - the Terracotta Warriors and Horses of Qin Shihuang.

"Brother Xiao, I heard that each of these Terracotta Warriors has a different face. Is that true?" Huang Pengfei asked curiously in the taxi.

Li Xiao nodded, his eyes gleaming with anticipation: "Yes, and the expressions of each terracotta warrior are lifelike, as if they will come alive at any time."

When the two arrived at the Terracotta Warriors and Horses Museum, the first thing that caught their eyes was Pit No. 1, where thousands of terracotta warriors were neatly arranged, creating an extremely spectacular scene.

"Wow, this scene is so shocking!" Huang Pengfei exclaimed, his eyes were almost not enough to look around.

Li Xiao was also deeply attracted by the scene before him: "Yes, this is a miracle from more than 2,000 years ago."

They carefully observed each terracotta warrior, some holding spears, some riding on war horses, each one was lifelike, as if telling the glory of that era.

"Brother Xiao, look at this Terracotta Warrior. His expression seems to be smiling." Huang Pengfei said, pointing at a Terracotta Warrior.

Li Xiao took a closer look and sure enough, the corners of the Terracotta Warrior's mouth were slightly raised, as if telling some secret.

"Maybe he is laughing at us, the descendants, who finally discovered their existence." Li Xiao said thoughtfully.

After visiting the Terracotta Warriors, the two came to the nearby Muslim Street, which is full of authentic Xi'an flavor and a variety of snacks.

"Brother Xiao, how about we try this roujiamo?" Huang Pengfei said, pointing to a snack bar with a long queue.

Li Xiao nodded: "Good idea, I heard that the Roujiamo here is very authentic."

The two bought roujiamo and yangroupaomo, and sat on small stools on the roadside to feast on them.

"The meat in this roujiamo is so delicious!" Huang Pengfei exclaimed as he ate.

Li Xiao also nodded in agreement: "Yes, the snacks here are really unique."

After eating, the two went to the Tang Dynasty City That Never Sleeps in Xi'an, where various folk performances are held every night, such as shadow puppetry and Qinqiang opera.

"Brother Xiao, look at this shadow play, it's amazing!" Huang Pengfei watched the performance on the stage with curiosity flashing in his eyes.

Li Xiao was also deeply attracted by this ancient art form: "Yes, these craftsmen are really amazing."

After the performance, the two bought some Xi'an specialties, such as Lantian jade, Xi'an embroidery, etc., at a nearby specialty store, preparing to take them home as souvenirs.

"Pengfei, what do you think of today's itinerary?" Li Xiao asked on the way back to the hotel.

Huang Pengfei replied excitedly: "Great, Brother Xiao, where are we going tomorrow?"

Li Xiao smiled mysteriously: "Tomorrow, we will go to Guilin, the city of mountains and rivers in China."

The laughter of the two floated in the night wind, and their journey continued...

On the third day, Li Xiao and Huang Pengfei arrived in the picturesque Guilin. Their goal was to tour the Li River and experience the reputation of "Guilin's landscape is the best in the world".

"Brother Xiao, look at these mountains and this water, they are so beautiful!" Huang Pengfei stood by the Li River, looking at the rolling peaks in the distance, and sighed.

Li Xiao smiled and nodded: "Yes, the mountains and rivers here are like a natural painting."

They rented a boat and sailed slowly along the Li River. The water was crystal clear, and the mountains on both sides were reflected on the water, forming a moving landscape painting.

"Brother Xiao, look at that mountain over there. Does it look like an elephant drinking water?" Huang Pengfei said, pointing to a mountain in the distance.

Li Xiao looked in the direction he pointed, and sure enough, the shape of the mountain resembled an elephant, drinking water with its head down.

"This is the famous Elephant Trunk Hill, one of Guilin's iconic landscapes," Li Xiao explained.

The boat continued to move forward, and they passed by famous attractions such as Nine Horses Painting Mountain and Yellow Cloth Reflection, each of which was fascinating.

"Brother Xiao, why is the water of the Li River so clear?" Huang Pengfei asked curiously while stirring the river water with his hands.

Li Xiao smiled and said, "The water here flows down from the mountains. It is not polluted, so it is very clear."

After touring the Li River, the two came to Yangshuo West Street, a tourist hotspot in Guilin, with a wide variety of special snacks and handicrafts.

"Brother Xiao, how about we try this Guilin rice noodles?" Huang Pengfei said, pointing to a small shop.

Li Xiao nodded: "Good idea, I heard that the rice noodles here are very famous."

The two of them ordered two bowls of rice noodles and sat in the store to taste them. The rice noodles were smooth and tender, and the soup was delicious, leaving people with an endless aftertaste.

"This rice noodle is so delicious!" Huang Pengfei praised as he ate. Li Xiao also nodded in agreement: "Yes, the snacks here are really unique."

After eating, the two went to Guilin's Two Rivers and Four Lakes Scenic Area, where there are wonderful light shows and folk performances every night.

"Brother Xiao, look at this light show, it's so beautiful!" Huang Pengfei looked at the lights on the lake, his eyes flashing with excitement.

Li Xiao was also deeply attracted by the beautiful night view: "Yes, the night view here is really charming."

After the performance, the two bought some Guilin specialties at a nearby specialty store, such as Guilin Sanhua Liquor, Guilin Rice Noodles, etc., preparing to take them home as souvenirs.

"Pengfei, what do you think of today's itinerary?" Li Xiao asked on the way back to the hotel.

Huang Pengfei replied excitedly: "Great, Brother Xiao, where are we going tomorrow?"

Li Xiao smiled mysteriously: "Tomorrow, we will go to China's coastal city - Sanya."

The laughter of the two floated in the night wind, and their journey continued...

On the fourth day, Li Xiao and Huang Pengfei arrived in sunny Sanya. Their goal was to visit the ends of the earth and experience the romantic feeling of "the ends of the earth have their limits, but the lovesickness has no end".

"Brother Xiao, look at the sea, it's so blue!" Huang Pengfei stood on the beach, looking at the endless sea, sighing.

Li Xiao smiled and nodded: "Yes, the sea here is so blue that it makes people intoxicated."

They strolled along the coastline, the sea breeze blew gently, and the waves hit the rocks on the shore, making a pleasant sound.

"Brother Xiao, look at the stones over there. Are there words like 'Tianya' and 'Haijiao' written on them?" Huang Pengfei said, pointing to two huge rocks in the distance.

Li Xiao looked in the direction he pointed, and sure enough, there were four big characters "Tianya" and "Haijiao" engraved on the two huge rocks respectively.

"This is the famous Cape of the End of the Earth, symbolizing the eternity of love," Li Xiao explained.

The two took a photo in front of the End of the Earth, and then continued along the coastline. They passed by famous attractions such as Dadonghai and Yalong Bay, each of which was refreshing.

"Brother Xiao, why is the sea water so clear?" Huang Pengfei asked curiously while stirring the sea water with his hands.

Li Xiao smiled and said, "The sea water here is not polluted and has plenty of sunshine, so it is very clear."

After visiting Tianya Haijiao, the two came to the seafood market in Sanya, where a variety of fresh seafood were gathered. The two discussed how to cook while selecting.

"Brother Xiao, how about we try this lobster?" Huang Pengfei said, pointing to a lively lobster.

Li Xiao nodded: "Good idea, I heard that the seafood here is very fresh."

The two bought some seafood and processed it at a nearby restaurant. Lobster, grouper, scallops... every dish was mouth-watering.

"This lobster is so delicious!" Huang Pengfei exclaimed as he ate.

Li Xiao also nodded in agreement: "Yes, the seafood here is really unique."

After eating, the two went to Luhuitou Park in Sanya, where there are wonderful light shows and folk performances every night.

"Brother Xiao, look at this light show, it's so beautiful!" Huang Pengfei looked at the lights in the park, his eyes flashing with excitement.

Li Xiao was also deeply attracted by the beautiful night view: "Yes, the night view here is really charming."

After the performance, the two bought some Sanya specialties, such as coconut candy, shell crafts, etc., at a nearby specialty store, preparing to take them home as souvenirs.

"Pengfei, what do you think of today's itinerary?" Li Xiao asked on the way back to the hotel.

Huang Pengfei replied excitedly: "Great, Brother Xiao, where are we going tomorrow?"

Li Xiao smiled mysteriously: "Tomorrow, we will go to Hangzhou, a famous historical and cultural city in China."

The laughter of the two floated in the night wind, and their journey continued...

On the fifth day, Li Xiao and Huang Pengfei came to the picturesque Hangzhou. Their goal was to visit the West Lake and experience the poetic beauty of "If I want to compare the West Lake to Xi Shi, light makeup or heavy makeup is always suitable."

"Brother Xiao, look at this West Lake, it's so beautiful!" Huang Pengfei stood by the lake, looking at the sparkling lake surface, sighing.

Li Xiao smiled and nodded: "Yes, the scenery of lakes and mountains here is refreshing."

They rented a boat and sailed slowly along the West Lake, where lotus flowers were in full bloom, willow trees were swaying, and Leifeng Pagoda and Broken Bridge were looming in the distance.

"Brother Xiao, look at the lotus flowers over there, they are so beautiful!" Huang Pengfei said, pointing at the lotus flowers in the lake.

Li Xiao looked in the direction he pointed, and sure enough, the lotus flowers were swaying gracefully on the lake, which was extremely beautiful.

"These are the lotus flowers of West Lake, which attract countless tourists every summer," Li Xiao explained.

The boat continued to move forward, and they passed by famous attractions such as Su Causeway Spring Dawn and Pinghu Autumn Moon, each of which was fascinating.

"Brother Xiao, why is the water so clear?" Huang Pengfei asked curiously, playing with the water with his hands.

Li Xiao smiled and said, "The lake water here all flows down from the mountains. It is not polluted, so it is very clear."

After visiting West Lake, the two came to Hefang Street in Hangzhou, a popular tourist spot in Hangzhou with a wide variety of special snacks and handicrafts.

"Brother Xiao, how about we try this Dongpo pork?" Huang Pengfei said, pointing to a small shop.

Li Xiao nodded: "Good idea, I heard that the Dongpo pork here is very famous."

The two ordered two bowls of Dongpo pork and sat in the restaurant to taste it. The Dongpo pork was fat but not greasy, and melted in the mouth, leaving people with an endless aftertaste.

"This Dongpo pork is so delicious!" Huang Pengfei exclaimed as he ate.

Li Xiao also nodded in agreement: "Yes, the snacks here are really unique."

After eating, the two went to the Songcheng scenic area in Hangzhou, where there are wonderful light shows and folk performances every night.

"Brother Xiao, look at this light show, it's so beautiful!" Huang Pengfei looked at the lights in the scenic area, his eyes flashing with excitement.

Li Xiao was also deeply attracted by the beautiful night view: "Yes, the night view here is really charming."

After the performance, the two bought some Hangzhou specialties, such as West Lake Longjing tea, silk, etc., at a nearby specialty store, preparing to take them home as souvenirs.

"Pengfei, what do you think of today's itinerary?" Li Xiao asked on the way back to the hotel.

Huang Pengfei replied excitedly: "Great, Brother Xiao, where are we going tomorrow?"

Li Xiao smiled mysteriously: "Tomorrow, we will go to Nanjing, the ancient capital of China."

The laughter of the two floats in the night wind, and their journey continues... (End of this chapter)