Punch: From third-rate anchor to top chef

Chapter 1576 30.
"Really? It's exactly the same. I feel like I've arrived at the planet Pandora." Huang Pengfei excitedly took out his camera and kept taking pictures.

They admired the magnificent scenery for a long time on the viewing platform, and were intoxicated by it. Other tourists passed by from time to time and exclaimed in amazement, all of them were impressed by the wonders of nature.

"Hey, where are you from?" a young girl asked Li Xiao and Huang Pengfei with a smile.

"We are from [hometown place name], what about you?" Li Xiao replied.

"I'm from Guangdong. Zhangjiajie has always been my dream place. Today I finally saw it. It was really shocking." The girl said excitedly.

"Yes, the scenery here is really unique. Where do you plan to go next?" Huang Pengfei asked.

"I plan to visit Tianmen Mountain. I heard it's very spectacular there too. What about you?" said the girl.

"We are also planning to go to Tianmen Mountain. Maybe we can meet there." Li Xiao said with a smile.

After chatting for a while, everyone continued to enjoy the scenery. Li Xiao and Huang Pengfei strolled along the mountain road, admiring the strange peaks and rocks along the way, while feeling the tranquility and beauty of nature.

Before they knew it, it was noon and they came to a restaurant in the scenic area and ordered local specialties such as three-pot, Tujia bacon, and Xiangxi rice tofu.

Soon, the dishes were served. The steaming hot pot contained bacon, tofu, radish and other ingredients, which were cooked together with a fragrant aroma. Huang Pengfei couldn't wait to taste it: "Well, it tastes really good, spicy and very satisfying."

Li Xiao also picked up a piece of bacon and put it in his mouth, savoring it carefully: "This bacon is really fragrant, fat but not greasy, and paired with these vegetables, it tastes great."

After finishing their meal, they took a short rest and then continued to the next attraction - Golden Whip Stream.

Jinbian Creek is a clear stream. Walking along the stream, you can see all kinds of strange peaks and rocks and lush vegetation. The gurgling stream makes a clear and pleasant sound, as if playing a beautiful piece of music.

"Look, does the mountain over there look like an eagle?" Li Xiao pointed to a mountain and said to Huang Pengfei.

"It's really a bit similar! The mountains in Zhangjiajie are so strange and each one has its own unique charm." Huang Pengfei responded.

They walked along the Golden Whip Stream for a long time, enjoying the beautiful scenery and breathing the fresh air, feeling greatly relaxed both physically and mentally.

In the evening, they came to the folk performance venue in the scenic area, ready to watch a folk performance with local characteristics.

The performance venue was packed with people and was very lively. The actors wore bright Tujia costumes and performed traditional programs such as the waving dance and the Maogus dance. Their movements were rough and bold, full of primitive vitality and rich ethnic customs.

Li Xiao and Huang Pengfei were attracted by this unique form of performance. They followed the rhythm of the music and applauded involuntarily.

"These folk performances are really interesting and allow us to feel the unique charm of Tujia culture," Li Xiao said with emotion.

"Yes, this trip really opened our eyes. Not only did we see such beautiful scenery, but we also learned about different cultures." Huang Pengfei also nodded in agreement.

After the performance, they came to a specialty store outside the scenic area, which was filled with a variety of Zhangjiajie specialties, such as Zhangjiajie berry tea, kudzu root powder, Tujia sausage, etc.

Li Xiao picked some berry tea and kudzu root powder to take back for his family to taste, while Huang Pengfei bought some Tujia sausages and some special souvenirs.

"These specialties look very good. I believe my family will like them." Li Xiao said with a smile.

"Well, we have gained a lot in Zhangjiajie this time. We will go to Tianmen Mountain tomorrow. I wonder what kind of surprises are waiting for us there." Huang Pengfei said with anticipation.

With a vision of Tianmen Mountain, Li Xiao and Huang Pengfei returned to the hotel, ending this fulfilling and wonderful day... Continue to Chapter 3: A Poetic Walk in West Lake
After leaving the magical Zhangjiajie, Li Xiao and Huang Pengfei came to Hangzhou, which is known as the "paradise on earth". The West Lake is the shining pearl of this city, attracting them to explore its unique charm.

When they arrived at the West Lake, the sparkling lake surface was like a huge mirror, reflecting the weeping willows on the shore, pavilions, towers and rolling hills in the distance. It was like a slowly unfolding ink painting, so beautiful that it took one's breath away.

"Wow, Xiao, the West Lake is so beautiful! Just like what the poem says, 'If I were to compare the West Lake to Xi Shi, light makeup or heavy makeup would always be suitable.'" Huang Pengfei couldn't help but sigh.

Li Xiao smiled and nodded: "Yes, Pengfei, the scenery here is really full of poetry. Let's walk along the lake and feel it."

They strolled along the path by the lake, the breeze gently brushing their cheeks, bringing bursts of fresh air. The weeping willows on the shore were swaying, and the slender willow branches fluttered in the wind, as if they were the soft decoration given to West Lake by nature. On the lake, from time to time, cruise ships passed by, creating layers of ripples, adding a bit of lively beauty to the calm lake.

"Look, that cruise ship looks so comfortable. Let's go on a ride on it," Huang Pengfei suggested.

"Okay, let's go experience the feeling of boating on the West Lake." Li Xiao readily agreed.

They boarded a cruise ship, which was moving slowly on the lake. Sitting on the boat, they could enjoy the beautiful scenery of West Lake from a closer distance. The Leifeng Pagoda in the distance was shining brightly under the sunlight, as if telling the ancient and mysterious legend.

"Xiao, do you think that White Snake was really trapped under the Leifeng Pagoda back then?" Huang Pengfei asked with interest, looking at the Leifeng Pagoda.

Li Xiao smiled and said, "Haha, that's just a legend. But Leifeng Pagoda does have a long history and cultural heritage, and it is also one of the landmark buildings of West Lake."

The cruise ship shuttled across the lake and passed by Three Pools Mirroring the Moon. The three stone towers stood gracefully on the lake. Under the sunlight, the shadows of the towers were reflected in the water, blending with the surrounding lake and mountain scenery, forming a beautiful picture.

Li Xiao took out his camera and captured this beautiful moment: "This Three Pools Mirroring the Moon is really amazing. It is indeed a great scenic spot of West Lake."

Huang Pengfei was also immersed in this beautiful scenery. He admired it quietly, as if he had forgotten all his worries.

After touring the lake, it was already lunch time, so they came to a restaurant by the West Lake to taste the specialties of Hangzhou.

After ordering classic dishes such as West Lake Vinegar Fish, Dongpo Pork, Longjing Shrimp, etc., the dishes were served one after another. The West Lake Vinegar Fish was bright red in color, the fish meat was fresh and tender, and the sweet and sour sauce was unforgettable. "Well, this West Lake Vinegar Fish is really delicious! The fish meat is fresh and tender, and the taste is simply amazing." Huang Pengfei praised it while eating.

Li Xiao also tasted a bite of Dongpo pork. The fat and lean meat melted in his mouth, and the rich aroma spread in his mouth: "This Dongpo pork is also very good, fat but not greasy, it is really a delicious dish."

Then, they tasted Longjing shrimps. The fresh shrimps paired with the fragrant Longjing tea had a refreshing taste and a unique flavor.

"This Longjing shrimp is really special. The fragrance of Longjing tea and the deliciousness of the shrimp are perfectly combined, making people want to eat more." Li Xiao said.

After dinner, they took a walk by the West Lake, enjoying the afternoon scenery. At this time, they saw a group of people watching something by the lake. When they got closer, they found that it was a folk artist performing the West Lake silk umbrella making.

The artist skillfully bends and weaves the bamboo strips, and then draws exquisite patterns on the umbrella. His technique is skillful and his movements are as smooth as flowing water. After a while, an exquisite West Lake silk umbrella appears before everyone.

"Wow, this West Lake silk umbrella is so beautiful!" Huang Pengfei exclaimed.

Li Xiao was also impressed by the artist's skills: "This is truly a traditional handicraft with profound cultural connotations."

They spent a leisurely afternoon by the West Lake, feeling the tranquility and elegance of the city.

In the evening, the lights on the West Lake gradually lit up, and the entire West Lake was decorated like a dream. They came to a square by the lake, where a folk performance was being held.

The performance was set against the backdrop of the history and culture of West Lake, and showcased the unique charm of Hangzhou through dance, music, drama, etc. The actors’ wonderful performances won rounds of applause and cheers from the audience.

Li Xiao and Huang Pengfei were immersed in this wonderful performance, feeling the cultural heritage and folk customs of Hangzhou.

"This performance was really wonderful! It gave us a deeper understanding of Hangzhou." Li Xiao said with emotion.

"Yes, this trip really brought us a lot. Not only did we enjoy the beautiful scenery, but we also tasted delicious food, watched folk performances, and experienced different cultures." Huang Pengfei also nodded in agreement.

After the performance, they came to a specialty store to buy some Hangzhou specialties to bring back to their family and friends. The store has a wide variety of specialties, including West Lake Longjing tea, silk products, Wang Xingji fans, etc.

Li Xiao picked out some West Lake Longjing tea leaves for his father who likes tea, while Huang Pengfei bought a few Wang Xingji fans and some silk scarves for his mother and sister.

"These specialties are very unique. I believe my family and friends will like them." Li Xiao said with a smile.

"Well, our trip in Hangzhou is really perfect this time. Where are we going tomorrow?" Huang Pengfei asked expectantly.

"Let's go to Chengdu next. I heard there are a lot of delicious food and interesting places there. What do you think?" Li Xiao suggested.

"Great, Chengdu is a great place. I've long wanted to try authentic Sichuan cuisine." Huang Pengfei said excitedly.

With expectations for Chengdu, Li Xiao and Huang Pengfei ended their wonderful journey in West Lake and embarked on a new journey... Continue to Chapter 4: A Food Tour in Chengdu
Bidding farewell to the picturesque West Lake, Li Xiao and Huang Pengfei set off on a journey to Chengdu with great anticipation. Chengdu, a city full of fireworks, is famous for its rich and diverse food, long history and culture, and leisurely pace of life, which made them eager to explore and experience it.

The moment they step into Chengdu, they can feel the unique atmosphere of this city. The streets and alleys are filled with the aroma of delicious food, and people's faces are filled with enthusiastic and satisfied smiles.

"Wow, Xiao, I feel like I can smell the flavor of delicious food. This place is simply a food paradise!" Huang Pengfei said excitedly.

Li Xiao smiled and responded: "Haha, yes, Chengdu is famous for its food, we are in for a treat this time. Let's go to Kuanzhai Alley first, I heard there are many special snacks there."

They came to Kuanzhai Alley, where the quaint buildings and the bustling streets complement each other. There were all kinds of snack stalls on both sides of the street, and the dazzling array of delicacies was dazzling.

They were first attracted by a shop selling long shou, which was full of customers and doing very hot business.

"Boss, give me two bowls of wonton." Li Xiao shouted.

Soon, two bowls of steaming hot wontons were served. The wrapper was as thin as paper, through which you could vaguely see the tender meat filling inside, and paired with the delicious soup and various seasonings, it was mouth-watering.

Huang Pengfei couldn't wait to pick up the spoon and tasted the soup: "Well, this soup is so delicious! The wonton is also delicious, with a smooth texture and tender and juicy meat filling."

Li Xiao also nodded and praised: "Yes, this Long Chao Shou is indeed worthy of its reputation. Chengdu's cuisine really pays attention to seasoning, and every flavor is just right."

After eating the long shao shou, they continued to stroll in the alley. Along the way, they tasted various special snacks such as Zhong dumplings, sugar-coated fruits, and three cannons. Each delicacy brought them a different taste enjoyment, making them unable to stop.

"Wow, this sugar-coated fruit is crispy on the outside and glutinous on the inside, sweet but not greasy. It's really delicious!" Huang Pengfei said while eating the sugar-coated fruit.

Li Xiao smiled and said, "Haha, look at you, you eat like a little kid. There are so many delicious foods in Chengdu, we have to taste them slowly, otherwise our stomachs will be full."

After walking around Kuanzhai Alley, they came to Jinli Ancient Street, where the architectural style is more characteristic of western Sichuan, with red lanterns hanging high and an antique atmosphere that makes people feel like they have traveled back to ancient times.

Jinli Ancient Street not only has delicious food, but also many traditional handicraft shops and folk performances. They walked and watched, admiring various exquisite handicrafts and feeling the traditional cultural charm of Chengdu.

"Look, this Sichuan Opera face-changing performance is so exciting!" Huang Pengfei said excitedly, pointing at the performance on the stage.

The actors changed their facial makeups in an instant, their movements were so fast and skillful that it was amazing. The audience applauded and cheered, and the atmosphere was very lively.

Li Xiao was also attracted by this wonderful performance: "Sichuan Opera face-changing is really a unique art, which reflects the profound heritage of Sichuan culture."

After watching the performance, they went to taste some of Jinli’s special foods, such as sad jelly, rabbit head, ice jelly, etc.