Punch: From third-rate anchor to top chef

Chapter 1596

"Shen Congwen's Border Town is so well written that it makes me yearn for the ancient town of Fenghuang," said Huang Pengfei.

"Yes, Fenghuang Ancient Town is the beautiful town in "Border Town". The scenery and culture here are intoxicating." Li Xiao said.

After visiting all the attractions, they came to a specialty store, which was filled with a variety of specialties, such as Miao silver jewelry, batik, ginger candy, etc.

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

"Okay, take a look and see if there's anything you like." Li Xiao replied.

They picked some specialties and returned to the inn with satisfaction. In the evening, they sat on the balcony of the inn and admired the night view of Tuojiang River. The colorful lights were reflected on the river surface, which was very beautiful.

"Old Li, the ancient town of Fenghuang is so beautiful. Where should we go next?" Huang Pengfei asked.

Li Xiao thought for a moment and said, "Let's go to Lijiang next. I heard it's beautiful there too."

"Okay, then we'll set off tomorrow." Huang Pengfei said excitedly.

Li Xiao and Huang Pengfei came to the beautiful ancient city of Lijiang with a vision of a new journey. As soon as they got off the train, they were attracted by the fresh air and blue sky of Lijiang.

"Wow, Lao Li, this Lijiang feels very different from the Fenghuang Ancient Town." Huang Pengfei said, stretching lazily.

Li Xiao nodded and responded with a smile: "Well, each has its own characteristics. Fenghuang Ancient Town is simple and mysterious, while Lijiang Ancient Town is more peaceful and romantic."

The two carried their bags and took a taxi to Lijiang Ancient Town. As soon as they entered the ancient town, they seemed to have traveled to another world. The ancient stone roads, the scattered wooden buildings, the gurgling streams, everything was so peaceful and beautiful.

"Hey, Lao Li, let's find a place to stay first. My shoulders are almost broken by this bag." Huang Pengfei complained.

"Okay, let's find an inn close to the center so that it will be convenient for traveling." Li Xiao said, and he and Huang Pengfei looked around for a suitable inn.

After a while, they found an antique inn. The innkeeper greeted them warmly and showed them the room. The room was decorated very warmly, and the beautiful scenery of the ancient city could be seen from the window.

After putting down their luggage, Li Xiao and Huang Pengfei couldn't wait to start their trip to Lijiang. They strolled along the stone road and admired the scenery of the ancient city. There are many specialty shops in the ancient city, selling various handicrafts, ethnic costumes and special snacks.

"Old Li, look at this handicraft. It's so exquisite." Huang Pengfei said as he picked up a wood carving.

"It's pretty good, but let's just go shopping first and buy it when we come back." Li Xiao said.

They continued walking forward and came to a stream. The water was so clear that you could see the bottom, and fish were swimming happily in the water. There were many willow trees by the stream, and the willow branches swayed in the wind, which was beautiful.

"Wow, the scenery is so beautiful. It makes me feel relaxed." Huang Pengfei exclaimed.

Li Xiao smiled and said, "Yes, that's the charm of Lijiang Ancient Town. It makes people relax and enjoy life."

As they walked, they came to Sifang Street. Sifang Street is the center of Lijiang Old Town and is very lively. There are many tourists taking photos and some local residents dancing and singing.

"Old Li, Sifang Street is so lively here, let's go join in the fun." Huang Pengfei said excitedly.

They joined the crowd, dancing and singing with the local residents. Everyone had happy smiles on their faces and the atmosphere was very harmonious.

After playing for a long time, they found a snack bar to taste the local delicacies, such as cured pork ribs, Naxi grilled fish, and chicken bean jelly.

"This cured pork ribs tastes really good and is very chewy." Huang Pengfei said while eating the cured pork ribs.

Li Xiao also nodded and praised: "Well, the Naxi grilled fish is also delicious, crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, and full of fragrance."

After dinner, they went to see a folk performance, which included Naxi songs and dances and Dongba culture.

"Old Li, this folk performance is really wonderful. It gave me a deeper understanding of the Naxi culture." Huang Pengfei said.

"Yes, these folk performances are a major feature of Lijiang Ancient Town. Through the performances we can better understand the local culture and history." Li Xiao replied.

After the performance, they went to some scenic spots, such as Mufu, Wangu Tower, etc. In Mufu, they learned about the history and culture of Lijiang. Mufu is magnificent and full of ethnic characteristics.

"This wooden mansion is really grand and looks even better than the ones in TV dramas," said Huang Pengfei.

"Haha, indeed. The architectural style here is very unique and impressive." Li Xiao said.

After visiting all the scenic spots, they came to a specialty store. The store was filled with a variety of specialties, such as Lijiang snow peach, yak jerky, Dongba paper, etc.

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

"Okay, take a look and see if there's anything you like." Li Xiao replied.

They picked some local specialties and returned to the inn with satisfaction. In the evening, they sat on the roof of the inn and admired the night view of Lijiang Ancient Town. The ancient town was brightly lit and bustling.

"Old Li, the ancient town of Lijiang is so beautiful. Where should we go next?" Huang Pengfei asked.

Li Xiao thought for a moment and said, "Let's go to Guilin next. I heard that the mountains and rivers there are the best in the world."

"Okay, then we'll set off tomorrow." Huang Pengfei said excitedly.

Li Xiao and Huang Pengfei set out on the journey to Guilin with great expectations. After some twists and turns, they finally arrived at this land famous for its mountains and rivers.

"Old Li, I can't wait to see the legendary Guilin landscape." Huang Pengfei rubbed his hands excitedly.

Li Xiao responded with a smile: "Haha, don't worry, the beautiful scenery of Guilin will definitely not disappoint us."

The two found a hotel near the Li River and stayed there. After putting down their luggage, they immediately ran towards the Li River. Standing by the river, they were shocked by the scenery before them and were speechless. The clear river water was like a green ribbon, winding among the mountains. The peaks in the distance were of different shapes, some like camels, some like elephants, some like old men, and some like fairies...

"Wow, this is so beautiful! It looks just like an ink painting." Huang Pengfei widened his eyes.

"Yes, Guilin's landscape is the best in the world, and it really lives up to its reputation." Li Xiao couldn't help but sigh.

They boarded a boat and slowly sailed on the Li River. The breeze blew on their faces, bringing bursts of fresh air. The boatman introduced them to the scenic spots along the way while rowing.

"Look, that mountain is called Nine Horses Painting Mountain. It is said that the person who can see nine horses is the top scholar." The boatman said, pointing to a mountain.

Huang Pengfei hurriedly observed carefully: "Oh, how come I can only see three horses? Old Li, how many can you see?" Li Xiao smiled and shook his head: "I can't see nine either. It seems that neither of us can become the top scholar."

As the boat continued to move forward, they saw many beautiful scenes, such as the reflection of the yellow cloth, the beautiful scenery of Xingping, etc. Every scene made them intoxicated and reluctant to leave.

After touring the Li River, they came to Yangshuo West Street, which was bustling with all kinds of snacks and handicrafts on both sides of the street.

"Old Li, this West Street has a great atmosphere. It feels even more lively than Sifang Street in Lijiang." Huang Pengfei said.

"Well, each has its own characteristics. There are many foreign tourists here, and it is full of an international atmosphere." Li Xiao replied.

They walked around and tasted local delicacies, including Guilin rice noodles, Yangshuo beer fish, and snails.

"This Guilin rice noodle is really delicious, the flavor of the marinade is very strong." Huang Pengfei said while eating Guilin rice noodles.

Li Xiao also nodded and praised: "Yangshuo beer fish is also very good, the fish meat is tender and delicious."

After dinner, they went to see a folk performance, which included Zhuang ethnic group's songs and dances, and Dong ethnic group's big songs.

"Old Li, these folk performances are really wonderful. They gave me a deeper understanding of Guangxi's ethnic culture." Huang Pengfei said.

"Yes, Guangxi is a place where many ethnic groups live together, and the ethnic culture here is very rich." Li Xiao replied.

After the performance, they went to some scenic spots, such as Xiangshan Park, Yinziyan, etc. In Xiangshan Park, they saw the famous Elephant Trunk Hill, which is like an elephant standing on the bank of the Li River, sucking water with its trunk, which is very vivid.

"This Elephant Trunk Hill is so magical. The wonders of nature are truly amazing," said Huang Pengfei.

"Haha, indeed. The scenery here is unique and impressive." Li Xiao said.

After visiting all the scenic spots, they came to a specialty store, which was filled with a variety of specialties, such as Guilin Sanhua Liquor, Lipu Taro, Monk Fruit, etc.

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

"Okay, take a look and see if there's anything you like." Li Xiao replied.

They picked some local specialties and returned to the hotel contentedly. In the evening, they sat on the balcony of the hotel and admired the night view of Guilin. The lights on both sides of the Li River were brilliant and reflected in the river, which was beautiful.

"Old Li, Guilin is so beautiful. Where is our next stop?" Huang Pengfei asked.

Li Xiao thought for a moment and said, "Let's go to Hangzhou next. I heard that the West Lake there is also very beautiful."

"Okay, then we'll set off tomorrow." Huang Pengfei said excitedly.

Li Xiao and Huang Pengfei traveled a long way to Hangzhou, which is known as the "paradise on earth". As soon as they walked out of the station, they felt the unique charm of this city.

"Old Li, it is said that there is heaven above and Suzhou and Hangzhou below. Hangzhou must be extraordinary." Huang Pengfei said with anticipation.

Li Xiao smiled and responded: "Yes, Hangzhou West Lake is well-known, and our trip will definitely be worthwhile."

The two found a hotel near the West Lake to stay in. After a short rest, they could not wait to go to the West Lake. When they stood by the West Lake, the breeze blew gently, the lake water sparkled, and the mountains in the distance were looming, like a beautiful landscape painting.

"Wow, this West Lake is so beautiful! It's even more beautiful than I imagined." Huang Pengfei couldn't help but exclaim.

"Yes, the beauty of West Lake is a kind of tranquil and elegant beauty." Li Xiao was also intoxicated by the scenery before him.

They strolled along the lake, enjoying the beautiful scenery of West Lake. The willow trees by the lake hung their branches low, swaying in the wind, as if telling people ancient stories. Not far away, there were several small boats gently rippled on the lake, and the tourists on the boats laughed and enjoyed this wonderful time.

"Old Li, let's go take a boat ride too." Huang Pengfei suggested.

"Okay." Li Xiao agreed readily.

They rented a boat, and the boatman rowed skillfully, taking them to visit various scenic spots in West Lake. They first came to the Three Pools Mirroring the Moon, where three stone towers stood in the lake, looking particularly beautiful under the sunlight.

"This Three Pools Mirroring the Moon really lives up to its reputation, it's so spectacular." Huang Pengfei said while taking pictures.

Li Xiao also nodded and praised: "Well, the scenery here is indeed beautiful. It is said that the scenery here is even more charming at night."

Then, they came to Broken Bridge with Residual Snow. Although it is not winter now and they cannot see the beautiful scenery of Broken Bridge with Residual Snow, they can still feel the historical charm of this bridge.

"Old Li, why do you think this Broken Bridge is called the Broken Bridge?" Huang Pengfei asked curiously.

Li Xiao explained: "It is said that in winter, the snow on the bridge melts, but there is still snow on both ends of the bridge. From a distance, it looks like the bridge is broken, so it is called Broken Bridge with Residual Snow."

"So that's how it is. That's really interesting." Huang Pengfei suddenly realized.

After touring the West Lake, they came to Hefang Street, one of the most historical and cultural streets in Hangzhou, with a variety of snacks and handicrafts on both sides of the street.

"Old Li, Hefang Street is so lively. It feels a bit like Yangshuo West Street." Huang Pengfei said.

"Well, they are both distinctive old streets, but Hefang Street has more of the charm of the Jiangnan water town." Li Xiao replied.

They walked around and tasted local delicacies, such as West Lake vinegar fish, Longjing shrimp, and beggar chicken.

"This West Lake Vinegar Fish tastes really good. The fish meat is tender and sweet and sour." Huang Pengfei said while eating the West Lake Vinegar Fish.

Li Xiao also nodded and praised: "Longjing shrimp is also delicious, the fragrance of tea and the deliciousness of shrimp are perfectly combined."

After dinner, they went to see a folk performance, which included Yue Opera and acrobatics.

"Old Li, these folk performances are really wonderful. They gave me a deeper understanding of Hangzhou's culture," said Huang Pengfei.

"Yes, Hangzhou has a very profound cultural heritage, and these folk performances are a microcosm of Hangzhou culture," Li Xiao replied.

After the performance, they went to some scenic spots, such as Lingyin Temple and Yuewang Temple. In Lingyin Temple, they felt the solemnity and mystery of Buddhism. In Yuewang Temple, they remembered the great achievements of the national hero Yue Fei.

"Both Lingyin Temple and Yuewang Temple are very meaningful and have taught us a lot of historical knowledge," said Huang Pengfei.