Punch: From third-rate anchor to top chef

Chapter 1597

"That's right, traveling is not only about appreciating the beautiful scenery, but also about broadening your horizons," said Li Xiao.

After visiting all the scenic spots, they came to a specialty store. The store was filled with a variety of specialties, such as West Lake Longjing, silk, Zhang Xiaoquan scissors, 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 hotel contentedly. In the evening, they sat by the hotel window and admired the night view of West Lake. The West Lake looked even more beautiful under the lights.

"Old Li, Hangzhou is so beautiful. Where should we go next?" Huang Pengfei asked.

Li Xiao thought for a moment and said, "Let's go to Chengdu next. I heard that the food and pandas there are very famous."

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

The next day, they embarked on a journey to Chengdu with full of memories and expectations.

Li Xiao and Huang Pengfei came to the charming Chengdu with excitement and expectation. As soon as they got off the plane, they felt the bustle and vitality of Chengdu.

"Old Li, it is said that Chengdu is a city where you don't want to leave once you arrive. I can't wait to come here." Huang Pengfei's face was filled with excitement.

Li Xiao responded with a smile: "Haha, then let's go and experience the charm of Chengdu."

The two took a taxi to the hotel they booked, and after dropping off their luggage, they immediately set out to explore the city. They first came to Kuanzhai Alley, which is composed of Kuanxiangzi, Zhaixiangzi and Jingxiangzi. The quaint buildings are full of Chengdu characteristics.

"Wow, this place is really interesting." Huang Pengfei looked around as he walked.

“Yes, here you can feel the leisure and traditional culture of Chengdu,” said Li Xiao.

They were walking around various specialty shops in Kuanzhai Alley, some selling Shu embroidery and some selling special snacks. As they were walking, Huang Pengfei was suddenly attracted by a fragrance.

"Old Li, smell it, what's that smell? It smells so good."

Li Xiao followed the scent and said with a smile, "This must be a specialty snack in Chengdu. Let's go and try it."

They came to a snack stand and ordered a bowl of Long Chao Shou and Zhong Dumplings.

"This long wonton tastes really good, with thin skin and big fillings." Huang Pengfei ate it with relish.

Li Xiao also nodded and praised: "Zhong dumplings are also very unique, with a sweet and spicy taste that makes people linger on the taste."

After walking around Kuanzhai Alley, they came to Jinli. Jinli Ancient Street was bustling with people coming and going. Both sides of the street were hung with red lanterns, full of a festive atmosphere.

"Old Li, Jinli is even more lively than Kuanzhai Alley." Huang Pengfei said.

"Well, each has its own characteristics. Jinli has more folk customs." Li Xiao responded.

They tasted various delicacies in Jinli, such as sugar-coated fruits and three cannons, and watched some performances by folk artists, such as face-changing and fire-breathing.

"This face changing is so magical, how does it work?" Huang Pengfei widened his eyes.

Li Xiao smiled and said: "This is a unique skill of Sichuan Opera. The specific method of performing it is their secret."

After watching the performance, they went to Wuhou Temple, a temple dedicated to Zhuge Liang and other heroes of Shu Han. The architecture inside is magnificent and full of historical and cultural atmosphere.

"Old Li, Zhuge Liang is so amazing. His wisdom is admirable." Huang Pengfei said with emotion.

"Yes, the Wuhou Temple allows us to feel the historical heritage of Chengdu," said Li Xiao.

The next day, they came to the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding. Seeing those cute giant pandas, their hearts were melted.

"Wow, these pandas are so cute and round." Huang Pengfei shouted excitedly.

"Haha, their cute looks are really endearing." Li Xiao also said with a smile.

They felt particularly happy watching the pandas eating bamboo, climbing trees and playing.

After visiting the panda base, they went to taste Chengdu’s special food, such as hot pot and skewers.

"This hotpot is too spicy, but it's really delicious." Huang Pengfei said while wiping the sweat off his face.

Li Xiao was also gasping for air due to the spiciness, but he still couldn't help but praise: "Chengdu hotpot is really tasty."

After dinner, they went to buy some Chengdu specialties, such as Pixian bean paste and Shu brocade.

"Lao Li, Chengdu is amazing. Where is our next stop?" Huang Pengfei asked.

Li Xiao thought for a moment and said, "Let's go to Xi'an next, which has a long history and rich culture."

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

Li Xiao and Huang Pengfei came to the ancient capital of Xi'an with great anticipation. As soon as they got off the train, they were surrounded by the city's rich historical atmosphere.

"Old Li, Xi'an feels so majestic." Huang Pengfei exclaimed as he looked at the ancient buildings around him.

Li Xiao nodded, his eyes sparkling with excitement: "Yes, Xi'an is the ancient capital of 13 dynasties, with rich historical and cultural heritage."

The two found a hotel near the ancient city wall and stayed there. After a short rest, they could not wait to go to the Xi'an city wall. Standing under the city wall, they were shocked by the magnificent architecture. The city wall was tall and solid, as if telling an ancient story.

"Wow, this city wall is so spectacular!" Huang Pengfei looked up at the city wall, his face full of amazement.

"Let's go up and take a look." Li Xiao said, and then he and Huang Pengfei climbed up the city wall together.

The city wall is wide and flat, and you can ride a bicycle around it. They rented two bicycles and rode slowly, enjoying the scenery inside and outside the city wall. The bell and drum towers in the distance stood tall, and the moat nearby sparkled.

"Old Li, this feels wonderful, as if I have traveled back to ancient times." Huang Pengfei said with a smile.

"Haha, yes, Xi'an really has a strong historical charm." Li Xiao responded.

After riding the city wall, they came to the Bell and Drum Tower Square. The Bell and Drum Tower is a landmark building in Xi'an. It is solemn and majestic during the day and brilliantly lit at night.

"This bell and drum tower is so beautiful. It must be more spectacular at night," said Huang Pengfei.

"Well, let's come back and have a look in the evening." Li Xiao said.

They tasted Xi'an's specialties at the nearby snack street, such as roujiamo, mutton soup steamed bun, cold noodles, etc. "This roujiamo tastes really good, the steamed bun is crispy and the meat is fragrant." Huang Pengfei praised while eating.

Li Xiao also nodded and said: "The mutton soup steamed bun is also very authentic, the soup is fresh and delicious."

After dinner, they went to watch a folk performance, including Qinqiang opera, shadow play, etc.

"Old Li, these folk performances are so unique that they have given me a deeper understanding of Xi'an's culture," said Huang Pengfei.

"Yes, the grandeur of Qinqiang and the exquisiteness of shadow play are both impressive," Li Xiao responded.

After the performance, they went to the Big Wild Goose Pagoda, a masterpiece of Buddhist architectural art from the Tang Dynasty. There were many tourists and citizens relaxing and having fun in the surrounding square.

"This Big Wild Goose Pagoda is so magnificent. It is worthy of being a famous historical tower." Huang Pengfei said while looking up at the Big Wild Goose Pagoda.

"Well, Big Wild Goose Pagoda has witnessed the historical changes of Xi'an." Li Xiao said.

After visiting the Big Wild Goose Pagoda, they came to a specialty store filled with a variety of specialties, such as Terracotta Warriors models, rubbings of the Forest of Steles, and red dates from northern Shaanxi.

"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 came to the Bell and Drum Tower Square again, where the Bell and Drum Tower was brightly lit and magnificent.

"Lao Li, Xi'an is so beautiful. Where is our next stop?" Huang Pengfei asked.

Li Xiao thought for a moment and said, "Let's go to BJ next. There are many famous attractions and historical sites there."

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

The next day, they set off for BJ with full of memories and expectations.

Li Xiao and Huang Pengfei arrived in BJ, a capital city full of history and glory, with great excitement.

"Old Li, we've finally arrived in BJ. This is the heart of our country." Huang Pengfei said excitedly.

Li Xiao smiled and nodded: "Yes, BJ has a profound historical background and rich cultural heritage. It will definitely not let us down."

The two found a hotel near Tiananmen Square and stayed there. After putting down their luggage, they immediately ran to Tiananmen Square. When the majestic Tiananmen Tower appeared before their eyes, a strong sense of pride surged in their hearts.

"Wow, Tiananmen Square is so spectacular!" Huang Pengfei widened his eyes and looked up at the city wall.

"Yes, this place has witnessed too many important historical moments." Li Xiao said with emotion.

They strolled in the square, admiring the Monument to the People's Heroes, Chairman Mao Memorial Hall and other buildings. The square was crowded with tourists, and everyone felt the solemnity and sacredness of the place with reverence.

"Old Li, look at those soldiers of the national flag guard, they are so majestic." Huang Pengfei said, pointing at the national flag guard on patrol.

"They shoulder a sacred mission and safeguard the dignity of the country," said Li Xiao.

Then, they came to the Forbidden City. The Forbidden City has red walls and yellow tiles, and is magnificent and majestic. When they walked into the Forbidden City, it seemed as if they had traveled back to ancient times. The palace buildings were magnificent, with carved beams and painted rafters, which was breathtaking.

"This Forbidden City is so stunning. Every building is full of artistic sense." Huang Pengfei said while taking pictures.

"Yes, the Forbidden City is one of the largest and best-preserved ancient wooden structure complexes in the world. It represents the highest level of ancient Chinese architecture," Li Xiao explained.

They spent a whole day touring the Forbidden City, visiting famous attractions such as the Hall of Supreme Harmony, the Palace of Heavenly Purity, and the Imperial Garden. Everywhere they went, they were impressed by the magnificence of the Forbidden City.

After visiting the Forbidden City, they came to Wangfujing Pedestrian Street, which was very lively, with various shops and food stalls on both sides of the street.

"Old Li, Wangfujing is so lively here. It feels more grand than the commercial streets we visited before," said Huang Pengfei.

"Well, Wangfujing is one of the most famous commercial streets in BJ, where various domestic and foreign brands and delicacies are gathered." Li Xiao replied.

They tasted BJ's specialties, such as roast duck, noodles with soybean paste, and bean juice.

"This roast duck is so delicious, with crispy skin, tender meat and a strong aroma." Huang Pengfei said while eating the roast duck.

Li Xiao also nodded and praised: "The noodles with soybean paste are also very unique, the noodles are chewy and the sauce is rich."

After dinner, they went to see a Peking Opera performance. Peking Opera is one of the quintessence of Chinese culture, and the actors' superb performances were a feast for their eyes.

"Old Li, this Peking Opera is so wonderful. The singing, reciting, acting and fighting are all mastered." Huang Pengfei said.

"Yes, Peking Opera is a treasure of Chinese traditional culture. We should inherit and carry forward it well," Li Xiao responded.

After the performance, they went to some scenic spots, such as the Summer Palace and Old Summer Palace. In the Summer Palace, they enjoyed the beautiful scenery of the royal gardens; in the Old Summer Palace, they felt the vicissitudes and heaviness of history.

"The Summer Palace is so beautiful, it deserves to be called a royal garden," said Huang Pengfei.

"Well, although only ruins are left of the Old Summer Palace, it also reminds us to remember history and cherish our peaceful life now," said Li Xiao.

After visiting all the attractions, they came to a specialty store. The store was filled with a variety of specialties, such as Peking duck, cloisonné, and Fuling cakes.

"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 hotel contentedly. In the evening, they sat by the hotel window and admired the night view of BJ. The brightly lit city was full of the beauty of the blending of modernity and history.

"Lao Li, this BJ is really great. Our trip is almost coming to an end, right?" Huang Pengfei asked.

Li Xiao thought for a moment and said, "Yes, this trip has been very fruitful for us. However, we can continue to explore more places if we have the chance in the future."

Li Xiao and Huang Pengfei sat on the return train, looking at the scenery passing by quickly outside the window, their hearts filled with emotion about this trip.

"Old Li, this trip is really wonderful." Huang Pengfei leaned back in his seat with a satisfied smile on his face.

Li Xiao nodded, his eyes full of memories: "Yes, from the mysterious romance of Fenghuang Ancient Town, to the tranquility and peace of Lijiang Ancient Town, to the picturesque scenery of Guilin, the beauty of West Lake in Hangzhou, the leisurely and lively Chengdu, the profound history of Xi'an, and the majestic grandeur of BJ, every place left a deep impression on us."

"Those special foods are also unforgettable. The stinky tofu in Fenghuang, the cured pork ribs in Lijiang, the rice noodles in Guilin, the West Lake vinegar fish in Hangzhou, the hot pot in Chengdu, the roujiamo in Xi'an, and the roast duck in BJ." Huang Pengfei couldn't help swallowing as he spoke.

"Haha, the folk performances are also very exciting. The Miao ethnic group's songs and dances, the Naxi ethnic group's waving dance, the Zhuang ethnic group's songs and dances, the Yue opera, the Sichuan opera's face-changing, the Qinqiang opera, and the Peking opera let us appreciate the cultural charm of different regions," Li Xiao added.