Punch: From third-rate anchor to top chef

Chapter 1559 12.
Li Xiao and Huang Pengfei stood in front of the Meridian Gate of the Forbidden City in Beijing, looking at this ancient building that has witnessed countless historical changes, their hearts filled with awe and curiosity.

"Brother Xiao, can you believe it? We are really standing at the center of history." There was a hint of excitement in Huang Pengfei's voice.

Li Xiao smiled and patted Huang Pengfei on the shoulder: "Pengfei, this is the first stop of our trip, don't get too excited, there are more surprises waiting for us."

The two walked through the Meridian Gate and slowly moved forward along the central axis. The sunlight shone through the ancient trees, dappled on the bluestone slabs, as if telling an ancient story.

"Look, that's the Hall of Supreme Harmony, where the emperor holds grand ceremonies." Li Xiao pointed to the magnificent building in front.

Huang Pengfei's eyes widened. "Wow, it's so spectacular! Brother Xiao, do you think the emperor also walked along these stone roads step by step like us?"

"Maybe, but their mood is definitely different from ours." Li Xiao said with a smile, "Let's go and take a look at those dragon chairs and thrones."

They walked into the Hall of Supreme Harmony and were shocked by the splendor inside. Huang Pengfei couldn't help but exclaimed: "This is the true royal style!"

Li Xiao nodded: "Yes, every detail reveals exquisiteness and nobility."

The two spent the entire day touring the Forbidden City and left reluctantly only when the sun set.

"Brother Xiao, I'm hungry." Huang Pengfei said, touching his stomach.

"Then let's go try BJ's roast duck. I heard that Quanjude's roast duck is the most famous." Li Xiao suggested.

They came to Quanjude and ordered a sumptuous table of Beijing dishes. While eating the roast duck, Huang Pengfei exclaimed: "This roast duck has crispy skin and tender meat, it is really delicious!"

Li Xiao smiled and said, "After we finish eating, how about we go watch a Peking Opera performance? Let's experience the traditional culture."

"Good idea!" Huang Pengfei replied excitedly.

In the evening, they watched a wonderful Peking Opera performance at Chang'an Grand Theater. The actors on the stage were dressed in gorgeous costumes, singing gracefully and performing exaggerated movements, which made the two of them fascinated.

After the performance, they bought some BJ specialties, such as cloisonné and candied haws, from a nearby stall.

"Brother Xiao, today was really fulfilling." Huang Pengfei said with satisfaction.

"This is just the beginning. Tomorrow we will go to the Great Wall, a place where 'one is not a true man if he has not been to the Great Wall.'" Li Xiao smiled mysteriously.

The next morning, Li Xiao and Huang Pengfei drove to the Great Wall. They chose the Mutianyu section because there were relatively few tourists there and they could experience the original appearance of the Great Wall.

"Brother Xiao, this Great Wall is really spectacular. Look at those walls. They have gone through wind and rain, but they are still standing." Huang Pengfei stood on the wall, looking at the winding Great Wall, and exclaimed.

Li Xiao nodded: "Yes, this is not only the pride of China, but also a miracle of the world. Let's go up and see if we can climb to the highest beacon tower."

The two of them walked up the steep stone steps step by step. Although they were exhausted and out of breath, their hearts were filled with the pleasure of conquest.

"Brother Xiao, look at the mountains over there, they are so beautiful!" Huang Pengfei said excitedly, pointing to the mountains in the distance.

"Yes, this scenery is really refreshing." Li Xiao couldn't help but admire.

After some efforts, they finally reached the highest beacon tower. Standing on the beacon tower, the surrounding scenery is in full view, which makes people feel relaxed and happy.

"Brother Xiao, let's take a picture to commemorate our conquest." Huang Pengfei suggested.

"Good idea!" Li Xiao took out his mobile phone, and the two of them posed in various postures, leaving behind unforgettable moments.

On the way down the mountain, the two discussed the history and legends of the Great Wall.

"Brother Xiao, do you know the story of Meng Jiangnu crying at the Great Wall?" Huang Pengfei asked.

"Of course I know. It's a legend about love and loyalty." Li Xiao replied.

"I think every brick of the Great Wall carries history and stories," Huang Pengfei said with emotion.

"Yes, this is also one of the meanings of our travel, to feel and understand these stories." Li Xiao said with a smile.

In the evening, they returned to the city and decided to try some old BJ's snacks.

"Brother Xiao, I heard that BJ's snacks are very famous, let's go try some." Huang Pengfei suggested.

"Okay, I know a very famous snack street, let's go there." Li Xiao said.

They tasted various authentic BJ snacks such as soy milk, fried dough sticks, and fried tripe in the snack street, and Huang Pengfei ate them with gusto.

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

"Don't worry, we will go to Xi'an tomorrow. There are more snacks there." Li Xiao said mysteriously.

"Really? Then let's go to Xi'an as soon as possible!" Huang Pengfei urged excitedly.

The two strolled in the snack street for a long time, and only returned to the hotel with satisfaction when night fell.

On the third day, Li Xiao and Huang Pengfei took the high-speed rail to Xi'an. The air of this ancient city seemed to be filled with the fragrance of history.

"Brother Xiao, look over there, that's the Big Wild Goose Pagoda!" Huang Pengfei said excitedly, pointing at the ancient pagoda in the distance.

"Yes, it is one of the landmark buildings in Xi'an." Li Xiao responded, "Let's go visit the Terracotta Warriors first, and then go to the Big Wild Goose Pagoda."

They first came to the Qin Shihuang Terracotta Warriors and Horses Museum and were deeply shocked by the spectacular array of terracotta warriors before them.

"Brother Xiao, these terracotta warriors are so lifelike, they feel like real people." Huang Pengfei exclaimed.

Li Xiao nodded: "Yes, this is a world cultural heritage. Each terracotta warrior has a different face and expression."

The two of them carefully viewed the exhibits in the museum, as if they had traveled back to the glorious Qin Dynasty.

After visiting the Terracotta Warriors, they came to the Big Wild Goose Pagoda. This ancient pagoda looked particularly solemn under the setting sun.

"Brother Xiao, look, the flying eaves and walls on the tower are truly ingenious." Huang Pengfei exclaimed in admiration.

"Let's go up and see the scenery on the tower." Li Xiao suggested.

They climbed to the top of the tower and had a panoramic view of the beautiful scenery of the entire city of Xi'an, which was a refreshing experience.

"Brother Xiao, look over there, that's the ancient city wall!" Huang Pengfei said, pointing to the city wall in the distance.

"Yes, we will go there tomorrow." Li Xiao replied.

After getting off the tower, the two decided to try Xi'an's famous snack - mutton soup with steamed buns.

"Brother Xiao, this mutton soup with steamed bun is so delicious. Look at the steamed bun, it's crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, and the mutton is so fragrant and tender." Huang Pengfei exclaimed as he ate.

"Yes, Xi'an's snacks are indeed well-deserved of their reputation." Li Xiao also ate with gusto.

After eating and drinking, they strolled around the Muslim Street and tasted various snacks, such as roujiamo, liangpi, and spicy soup.

"Brother Xiao, I found that snacks from every place have their own unique flavor." Huang Pengfei said with emotion.

"Yes, this is also one of the pleasures of traveling, tasting delicacies from different places." Li Xiao said with a smile.

In the evening, they watched the wonderful light show and folk performances in the Tang Dynasty City that Never Sleeps and felt the modern charm of Xi'an.

"Brother Xiao, today's schedule is so rich." Huang Pengfei said with satisfaction.

"Tomorrow we will go to Huashan, where the scenery is even more spectacular." Li Xiao said mysteriously. The two returned to the hotel with anticipation for tomorrow.

On the fourth day, Li Xiao and Huang Pengfei came to Huashan, a mountain known for its steepness and a place that often appears in martial arts novels.

"Brother Xiao, look at those mountains, they really reach into the sky!" Huang Pengfei looked up at the dangerous peaks of Mount Huashan and was filled with admiration.

"Yes, Mount Hua is famous for its danger, and this is what we are going to challenge today." Li Xiao said confidently.

They began to climb. The mountain road was winding, sometimes steep, sometimes flat. Every step tested their physical strength and will.

"Brother Xiao, this road is so steep, I'm a little scared." Huang Pengfei was a little nervous.

"Don't be afraid, follow me, we'll take it slow." Li Xiao encouraged.

They supported each other and climbed up step by step. After several hours of hard work, they finally reached the North Peak of Huashan.

"Brother Xiao, we did it!" Huang Pengfei shouted excitedly.

"Yes, we did it. Look, the scenery is so beautiful." Li Xiao pointed to the mountains in the distance.

They stood on the North Peak, with a panoramic view of the surrounding scenery, surrounded by clouds and mist, as if they were in a fairyland.

"Brother Xiao, look at the cliff over there, it's so dangerous!" Huang Pengfei pointed to the cliff not far away.

"That's the famous plank road on Mount Huashan. Should we give it a try?" Li Xiao suggested.

"Of course!" Huang Pengfei answered excitedly.

They walked cautiously along the long plank road, and every step made their heart beat faster.

"Brother Xiao, I feel like I'm flying." Huang Pengfei said with a smile.

"Yes, this feeling is really exciting." Li Xiao also felt very excited.

After some challenges, they finally completed the walk on the plank road in the sky, and their hearts were filled with a sense of accomplishment.

After going down the mountain, they tasted Huashan’s specialty food - Huashan Old Tofu in the small town at the foot of the mountain.

"Brother Xiao, this tofu is so tender and smooth, so delicious." Huang Pengfei exclaimed as he ate.

"Yes, the tofu here is made with mountain spring water and tastes especially delicious," Li Xiao explained.

After eating and drinking, they strolled around the town and bought some Huashan specialties, such as Huashan Sword, Huashan Stone, etc.

"Brother Xiao, today's trip was really exciting." Huang Pengfei said with satisfaction.

"We are going to Chengdu tomorrow. There is a giant panda base and delicious hot pot there," Li Xiao said mysteriously.

The two returned to the hotel with anticipation for tomorrow.

On the fifth day, Li Xiao and Huang Pengfei arrived in Chengdu, a city famous for its leisure and delicious food.

"Brother Xiao, I heard that the pace of life in Chengdu is very slow and people know how to enjoy life." Huang Pengfei said excitedly.

"That's right, let's go experience the leisurely life in Chengdu today." Li Xiao said with a smile.

They first came to the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding, a paradise for giant pandas.

"Brother Xiao, look at those giant pandas, they are so cute!" Huang Pengfei pointed at the giant pandas eating bamboo, his eyes sparkling.

"Yes, they look lazy, but they are actually very smart." Li Xiao couldn't help but take out his mobile phone to take pictures.

The two walked around the base for a long time, observed the various living conditions of the giant pandas, and saw the newborn panda babies.

"Brother Xiao, I really want to hug those baby pandas." Huang Pengfei said enviously.

"I want to too, but they are too small and need special care," Li Xiao replied.

After visiting the giant panda base, they came to Kuanzhai Alley in Chengdu, an old neighborhood in Chengdu full of history and culture.

"Brother Xiao, look at those old houses, they are so charming." Huang Pengfei exclaimed.

"Yes, there are many traditional handicrafts and snacks here," said Li Xiao.

They tasted various Chengdu snacks in the alley, such as long chao shou, chuanchuan xiang, dandan noodles, etc.

"Brother Xiao, this dandan noodles is so spicy, but so delicious!" Huang Pengfei wiped his sweat while eating.

"Yes, Chengdu snacks are famous for being spicy, but they are spicy in a very fragrant way." Li Xiao also ate with gusto.

In the evening, they decided to experience Chengdu hotpot.

"Brother Xiao, this hotpot is so delicious. Look at the red oil, it's so spicy that I'm sweating." Huang Pengfei said while eating.

"Yes, Chengdu hotpot is mainly spicy, but it's just the right amount of spicy." Li Xiao also enjoyed his meal.

After eating and drinking, they strolled around the streets of Chengdu, feeling the leisure and enthusiasm of this city.

"Brother Xiao, Chengdu is so great that I don't want to leave." Huang Pengfei said with satisfaction.

"We're going to Lijiang tomorrow, where there are beautiful ancient towns and snow-capped mountains," Li Xiao said mysteriously.

The two returned to the hotel with anticipation for tomorrow.

On the sixth day, Li Xiao and Huang Pengfei came to Lijiang, an ancient city famous for its unique Naxi culture and beautiful natural scenery.

"Brother Xiao, look at the buildings in the ancient city, they are so unique." Huang Pengfei pointed at the wooden buildings in the ancient city and admired them.

"Yes, Lijiang Ancient Town is a world cultural heritage, and the architectural style here is very characteristic of the Naxi ethnic group," Li Xiao explained.

They strolled along the cobblestone streets of the ancient city, lined with numerous handicraft shops and snack stalls.

"Brother Xiao, I want to buy a Naxi shawl." Huang Pengfei said, pointing to a small shop.

"Okay, the shawls here are very ethnic and practical." Li Xiao nodded.

They strolled around the ancient city for a long time and bought some Naxi handicrafts and specialties, such as Dongba paper and Naxi embroidery.

"Brother Xiao, I heard that the bars in Lijiang are very famous. How about we go and experience them tonight?" Huang Pengfei suggested.

"Good idea, let's go to the bar street in the ancient city at night." Li Xiao agreed.

In the evening, they found a bar with live music on the bar street in the ancient city, listened to Naxi music, drank local beer, and felt the nightlife of Lijiang.

"Brother Xiao, this music is so touching." Huang Pengfei swayed to the music.

"Yes, the night in Lijiang is very charming." Li Xiao was also immersed in this beautiful atmosphere.

The next day, they decided to go to Jade Dragon Snow Mountain, which is the iconic attraction of Lijiang.

"Brother Xiao, look at that snow-capped mountain, it's so spectacular." Huang Pengfei said excitedly as he looked at the snow-capped mountain in the distance.