Punch: From third-rate anchor to top chef

"Yes, the geological structure of Huangshan is very special. It took a long time to form these unique landscapes," Li Xiao explained.

After climbing for a while, they were both a little tired. They found a big rock to sit down and take a rest.

"Old Li, do you think we can see the sea of ​​clouds later?" Huang Pengfei asked expectantly.

"It's hard to say. The appearance of sea of ​​clouds requires certain conditions. But we can try our luck." Li Xiao said.

After a short rest, they continued on their way. When they arrived at Guangmingding, they were shocked by the scene before them. They saw clouds and mist rolling around them, like the sea, and they seemed to be standing on an island in the sea.

"Wow, is this the sea of ​​clouds? It's so spectacular!" Huang Pengfei exclaimed excitedly.

Li Xiao was also intoxicated by the beautiful scenery. He stood there quietly, feeling the magic and beauty of nature.

After enjoying the sea of ​​clouds, they went to Lotus Peak, the highest peak of Huangshan Mountain, with an altitude of 1864.8 meters. The process of climbing Lotus Peak was very difficult, but they did not give up.

"Old Li, come on! We are almost at the top of the mountain." Huang Pengfei shouted in front.

"Okay, let's work hard together!" Li Xiao gritted his teeth and tried hard to keep up with Huang Pengfei's pace.

Finally, they reached the top of Lotus Peak. Standing on the top of the mountain, they overlooked the entire Huangshan Mountain, and their hearts were filled with a sense of accomplishment.

"Old Li, we did it! The scenery is so beautiful." Huang Pengfei said excitedly.

"Yes, all this effort is worth it." Li Xiao said.

After going down the mountain, both of them were very hungry. They came to a restaurant at the foot of Huangshan Mountain and prepared to taste the local food.

"Old Li, I heard that Huangshan's stinky mandarin fish and Huangshan stewed pigeon are particularly delicious. We must try them." Huang Pengfei said.

"Okay, then let's order these two dishes, plus some other special dishes." Li Xiao said.

Soon, all the dishes were served. The stinky mandarin fish smelled stinky but tasted delicious, with fresh and juicy meat; the Huangshan pigeon soup was delicious and nutritious. The two ate with gusto.

"The food in Huangshan is really good." Huang Pengfei said while eating.

"Yes, every place has its own unique food culture," said Li Xiao.

After dinner, they watched a folk performance. In the performance, the actors showed the traditional folk customs of Huangshan area, such as Huizhou folk songs, Hui opera, etc. The wonderful performance gave them a deeper understanding of Huangshan culture.

"Old Li, this performance is really wonderful. It makes me feel the cultural heritage of Huangshan." Huang Pengfei said.

"Yes, these folk performances are a good way to understand local culture," said Li Xiao.

After the performance, they came to a specialty store, which was filled with various Huangshan specialties, such as Huangshan Maofeng, Hui inkstone, and She inkstone.

"Lao Li, let's buy some local specialties and bring them back as gifts for our family and friends," said Huang Pengfei.

"Okay, Huangshan Maofeng is one of the top ten famous teas in China. We can buy some and give it to our friends who like to drink tea." Li Xiao said.

The two picked out some specialties and left satisfied.

"Lao Li, this trip to Huangshan is really great. The beautiful scenery, delicious food and folk performances of Huangshan are all unforgettable for me." Huang Pengfei said.

Li Xiao and Huang Pengfei took a flight from Huangshan and traveled all the way to the ancient capital of Xi'an. As soon as they walked out of the airport, they felt the strong historical atmosphere of the city.

"Old Li, Xi'an seems to have such a rich heritage!" Huang Pengfei said excitedly as he looked at the quaint buildings around him.

Li Xiao nodded, his eyes gleaming with anticipation: "Xi'an is the ancient capital of 13 dynasties, with countless historical sites and cultural treasures. We must experience them this time."

The two took a taxi to the hotel they booked, and after dropping off their luggage, they couldn't wait to go to the iconic attraction in Xi'an - the Terracotta Warriors. Taking the tourist bus, they soon arrived at the Terracotta Warriors Museum.

As soon as they entered the museum, they were shocked by the spectacular sight before them: thousands of terracotta warriors were neatly arranged, like a silent army ready to go to battle at any time.

"Oh my God, this is so spectacular!" Huang Pengfei widened his eyes and opened his mouth.

Li Xiao was also impressed by the grand scene. He said slowly: "These terracotta warriors are not only artistic treasures, but also witnesses of history. They allow us to see the power and glory of the ancient Qin State."

They walked slowly in the museum, carefully admiring each pottery figurine. Some of the figurines looked serious, some were smiling, and each one was lifelike, as if it had its own story.

"Old Li, how do you think these terracotta figurines were made? It's amazing." Huang Pengfei asked curiously.

"It is said that these terracotta figurines are all handmade, and each one is unique. The skills of ancient craftsmen are truly amazing," Li Xiao replied.

After visiting the Terracotta Warriors, they both felt hungry. They decided to try some delicious food in Xi'an. They came to the famous Muslim Street, which was bustling with the aroma of various delicacies.

"Lao Li, this place is amazing! There are so many delicious foods, I don’t even know where to start." Huang Pengfei rubbed his hands excitedly.

"Let's try the mutton soup with steamed buns first. It's a specialty of Xi'an." Li Xiao said.

They found a time-honored Pao Mo restaurant, sat down and ordered two servings of mutton Pao Mo. After a while, the steaming Pao Mo was served. The steamed buns were broken into small pieces and dipped in the rich mutton soup, with fresh mutton and various seasonings, the aroma was overflowing.

"Wow, it tastes so delicious!" Huang Pengfei couldn't wait to take a bite and praised it highly.

Li Xiao also smiled and began to taste it, saying as he ate: "This mutton soup steamed bun is indeed as good as its reputation, the taste is mellow and makes people linger on it."

After eating mutton soup steamed bun, they tried other delicacies such as roujiamo and liangpi, each of which made them very satisfied.

"The food in Xi'an is so delicious! I feel like I'm about to eat too much." Huang Pengfei said, touching his stomach.

"Haha, food is also a great pleasure of traveling." Li Xiao said with a smile.

In the evening, they watched a wonderful folk performance, "The Song of Everlasting Sorrow". The performance was based on the love story of Emperor Xuanzong of Tang and Yang Guifei, and showed the glory and romance of the Tang Dynasty through gorgeous stage effects and wonderful performances.

"Old Li, this performance is so wonderful! It makes people feel like they have traveled back to the Tang Dynasty." Huang Pengfei exclaimed.

"Yes, this performance gave us a deeper understanding of Xi'an's history and culture," said Li Xiao.

After the performance, they came to a specialty store filled with various Xi'an specialties, such as Terracotta Warriors and Horses models, shadow puppets, and jujubes.

"Old Li, let's buy some local specialties and bring some gifts to our family and friends." Huang Pengfei said. "Okay, the Terracotta Warriors and Horses models are very commemorative, we can buy some back." Li Xiao said.

The two picked some specialties and returned to the hotel satisfied.

"Old Li, today has been a really fulfilling day. I am deeply impressed by the magnificence of the Terracotta Warriors, the delicious food and the wonderful folk performances," said Huang Pengfei.

Li Xiao and Huang Pengfei took a flight from Xi'an and finally arrived in Lijiang, a city full of romance and mystery, after several hours of flight. As soon as they walked out of the airport, fresh air and warm sunshine hit them.

"Old Li, Lijiang feels so comfortable here!" Huang Pengfei took a deep breath, his face full of intoxication.

Li Xiao smiled and nodded: "Lijiang is a poetic place with beautiful natural scenery and unique ethnic culture."

The two took a taxi to the inn they had booked in advance. The inn was antique and full of Naxi characteristics. After putting down their luggage, they couldn't wait to go to Lijiang Ancient Town.

Walking into the ancient city, you will see winding bluestone roads lined with old wooden buildings. There are many shops filled with various specialty goods, and the city is bustling with people.

"Wow, this ancient city is so charming!" Huang Pengfei looked around excitedly.

Li Xiao was also attracted by the beauty of the ancient city. He said: "Lijiang Ancient City has a long history, and every brick and tile here carries the memory of the years."

They strolled along the streets of the ancient city, admiring the exquisite ancient buildings and occasionally walked into some small shops to look at the special handicrafts.

"Old Li, look at this hand-knitted scarf, it's so beautiful!" Huang Pengfei picked up a scarf and couldn't let it go.

"It's really good and has very ethnic characteristics. If there are any suitable ones, we can buy some as gifts." Li Xiao said.

After walking for a while, they came to Sifang Street. This is the center of the ancient city, with people coming and going, very lively. There are many folk artists performing, singing, and the sound of musical instruments interweave, full of joyful atmosphere.

"Old Li, this Sifang Street is so lively!" Huang Pengfei swayed gently to the rhythm of the music.

Li Xiao said with a smile: "People in Lijiang love life. Every corner here is full of vitality."

After leaving Sifang Street, they went to Mu's Mansion, which is magnificent and beautifully built. After learning about the history of Mu's Mansion, they had a deeper understanding of Lijiang's culture.

"Old Li, this wooden palace is really magnificent. One can imagine how prosperous it was in the past," Huang Pengfei said with emotion.

"Yes, the Mu Palace has witnessed the historical changes of Lijiang and is an important part of Lijiang culture," said Li Xiao.

After visiting the Mu Mansion, they were both a little hungry. They decided to try some Lijiang delicacies. They came to a Naxi specialty restaurant and ordered special dishes such as cured pork ribs and Naxi grilled fish.

"Old Li, these cured pork ribs smell so good!" Huang Pengfei smelled the aroma and couldn't wait to have a taste.

"Lijiang's cuisine is famous for its unique flavor. Let's enjoy it," said Li Xiao.

After the dishes were served, they devoured them with relish. The cured pork ribs were tender and fresh, and the Naxi grilled fish was crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, and tasted very delicious.

"The food in Lijiang is really great!" Huang Pengfei exclaimed as he ate.

After dinner, they watched a Naxi folk performance. In the performance, the actors wore traditional costumes and displayed Naxi folk culture such as songs and dances, traditional weddings, etc. The wonderful performance won rounds of applause from the audience.

"Lao Li, this performance is so wonderful! It gave me a deeper understanding of the Naxi culture." Huang Pengfei said.

"Yes, these folk performances are a good way to understand local culture," said Li Xiao.

After the performance, they came to a specialty store filled with various Lijiang specialties, such as Dongba paper, yak jerky, spirulina, etc.

"Lao Li, let's buy some local specialties and bring them back as gifts for our family and friends," said Huang Pengfei.

"Okay, Dongba paper is very unique. You can buy some as a souvenir." Li Xiao said.

The two picked out some specialties and returned to the inn contentedly.

"Lao Li, today has been such a fulfilling day. The beauty of Lijiang Ancient Town, the delicious food and the wonderful folk performances are all unforgettable to me," said Huang Pengfei.

Li Xiao and Huang Pengfei took a flight from Lijiang and arrived in the picturesque Guilin after a period of flight. As soon as they got off the plane, they were surrounded by the unique landscape of Guilin.

"Old Li, Guilin looks so beautiful!" Huang Pengfei said excitedly as he looked at the rolling mountains and clear river water in the distance.

Li Xiao smiled and nodded: "Guilin's landscapes are the best in the world. The natural scenery here will definitely feast our eyes."

The two took the airport bus to the city, found a hotel to put down their luggage, and then couldn't wait to go to the Li River. They arrived at the Li River pier and boarded a cruise ship.

The cruise ship slowly sailed on the Li River, the river water was crystal clear, and the peaks on both sides were in different shapes, some like camels, some like elephants, some like old men, and some like fairies, which made people marvel at the uncanny workmanship of nature.

"Wow, the scenery is so beautiful!" Huang Pengfei kept taking pictures with his camera.

Li Xiao was also intoxicated by the beautiful scenery in front of him. He said with emotion: "It really lives up to its reputation! The landscape of the Li River is like a huge painting that makes people intoxicated."

They enjoyed the beautiful scenery and listened to the guide's explanation, learning about the history and culture of the Li River. After the boat sailed for a while, they arrived at the famous Nine Horses Painting Mountain.

"Old Li, do you think the pattern on this mountain looks like nine horses?" Huang Pengfei asked, pointing at the mountain painted with nine horses.

Li Xiao carefully observed the pattern on the mountain and said with a smile: "It really looks a bit like it. It is said that people who can see the nine horses are very wise."

After the cruise on the Li River, they both felt hungry. They decided to try some Guilin delicacies. They came to a Guilin rice noodle shop and ordered two servings of authentic Guilin rice noodles.

"Old Li, these Guilin rice noodles look so tempting!" Huang Pengfei's mouth was watering as he looked at the steaming rice noodles.

"Guilin rice noodles are a specialty of Guilin and taste very good," said Li Xiao.

They began to taste the Guilin rice noodles, which were smooth and chewy, with a strong aroma from the marinade. Added with various side dishes, the taste was very delicious.

"This Guilin rice noodles is so delicious!" Huang Pengfei exclaimed as he ate.

After eating Guilin rice noodles, they went to taste other delicacies such as Yangshuo beer fish and snails. Each one left them with an endless aftertaste. (End of this chapter)