Punch: From third-rate anchor to top chef

"Oh my, the Li River is so beautiful! Old Li, look at that mountain, does it look like an elephant sucking water?" Huang Pengfei excitedly pointed to a mountain in the distance.

Li Xiao looked in the direction of his finger and couldn't help but exclaimed: "It really looks like it! The mountains in Guilin are really unique, and each one has its own unique shape."

The two decided to take a bamboo raft to tour the Li River. They stepped onto the raft carefully, and the raft swayed gently on the river, making their hearts ripple slightly.

"Master, are there any legends about the Li River?" Huang Pengfei asked the boatman who was paddling the bamboo raft curiously.

The boatman smiled and said in a loud voice: "There are many legends about the Li River. It is said that a fairy passed by here and was attracted by the beautiful scenery. He cast a spell to make the mountains and rivers here even more beautiful."

"Haha, this is really interesting." Huang Pengfei listened with great interest.

Li Xiao quietly admired the surrounding scenery and felt the breeze blowing on his face. "The river water is so clear that you can even see the rocks and fish at the bottom of the water."

"Yes, the water of the Li River is famous for its clarity." The boatman continued, "Look at the mountains over there. Some look like old men, some look like camels, and some look like fairies descending to earth. Each one has its own story."

As the bamboo raft slowly moved forward, Li Xiao and Huang Pengfei seemed to have entered a dreamlike world. They pointed at the mountain, looked at the water, and kept exclaiming in amazement.

"Old Li, I feel like I'm in a painting," Huang Pengfei said with emotion.

"Yes, the Guilin landscape really is like a huge painting." Li Xiao agreed.

After touring the Li River, the two were hungry, so they went to a local restaurant to taste Guilin's specialties.

"Boss, can you recommend any special dishes?" Huang Pengfei asked impatiently as soon as he sat down.

The boss introduced enthusiastically: "Our Guilin rice noodles, beer fish, and snails are all very good."

"Okay, then give me one for each." Huang Pengfei said generously.

Soon, all the dishes were served. Li Xiao picked up a piece of Guilin rice noodles with chopsticks, took a bite, and his eyes lit up immediately. "Well, this rice noodle has a smooth texture, and the taste of the brine is also very rich, delicious."

Huang Pengfei launched an "attack" on the beer fish. "This fish tastes really delicious, and has a light beer flavor, which is very special."

After dinner, they went to see a folk performance. The performance venue was very lively and the tourists were looking forward to the wonderful performance.

The performance began, and the actors, dressed in costumes of the Zhuang, Yao and other ethnic minorities, performed a cheerful dance with graceful movements full of ethnic characteristics.

"Wow, these ethnic costumes are so beautiful!" Huang Pengfei couldn't help but exclaimed.

"Yes, the cultures of these ethnic minorities are really rich and colorful," said Li Xiao.

The performance also showcased some traditional handicrafts, such as embroidery and weaving. Li Xiao and Huang Pengfei were fascinated by the performance and were full of admiration for the exquisite skills.

"These handicrafts are so exquisite. Let's buy some as souvenirs," Huang Pengfei suggested.

"Okay." Li Xiao nodded in agreement.

After watching the folk performance, the two came to the local specialty store, which was filled with various Guilin specialties, such as Guilin Sanhua wine, osmanthus cake, and monk fruit.

"Old Li, what do you think we should buy?" Huang Pengfei was a little confused.

"I think osmanthus cake is good. It tastes sweet and is easy to carry. You can also buy a few bottles of Guilin Sanhua wine and give them to your elders when you take them back," said Li Xiao.

"Okay, I'll listen to you." Huang Pengfei began to select specialties.

After buying the local specialties, Li Xiao and Huang Pengfei stood on the street of Guilin, looking at the beautiful mountains and rivers, their hearts filled with emotion.

"Guilin is so beautiful. I will definitely come back if I have the chance," said Huang Pengfei.

"Well, we still have a lot of places to go, let's keep going." Li Xiao said.

Li Xiao and Huang Pengfei bid farewell to the mountains and rivers of Guilin and rushed to Hangzhou, known as the "paradise on earth". When they set foot on this poetic land, they were immediately surrounded by the warm atmosphere.

"Old Li, they say there is heaven above and Suzhou and Hangzhou below. Hangzhou really lives up to its reputation!" Huang Pengfei looked around excitedly.

Li Xiao smiled and nodded: "Yes, Hangzhou has always been a place I long to go to. Let's go to the West Lake first."

They took the subway to the West Lake. At first glance, the lake was sparkling, willows were swaying on the shore, and the mountains in the distance were looming in the clouds, like a beautiful landscape painting.

"Wow, the West Lake is so beautiful!" Huang Pengfei couldn't help but exclaimed.

"Indeed, the ancients said, 'If I want to compare the West Lake to Xi Shi, light makeup or heavy makeup is always suitable.' Seeing it today, it is indeed so." Li Xiao was also moved by the beauty of the West Lake.

They strolled along the lake, admiring the beautiful scenery of the lake and mountains. The breeze blew by, bringing bursts of flower fragrance, making people feel particularly comfortable.

"Old Li, look there's a pavilion over there. Let's go there and take a rest." Huang Pengfei said, pointing to a pavilion not far away.

The two of them sat down in the pavilion, looked at the West Lake in front of them, and began to chat.

"The scenery of West Lake is really something you never get tired of seeing," Huang Pengfei said with emotion.

"Yes, and there are many historical and cultural relics in West Lake. For example, Leifeng Pagoda, Broken Bridge with Snow, etc." Li Xiao said.

"Then we have to go for a good stroll." Huang Pengfei said impatiently.

They first came to Leifeng Pagoda, which stood majestically and magnificently. They walked into the pagoda, visited the cultural relics and exhibitions inside, and learned about the history and legends of Leifeng Pagoda.

"Old Li, do you think that White Snake was really trapped under the Leifeng Pagoda back then?" Huang Pengfei asked curiously.

Li Xiao smiled and said, "That's just a legend, but it also adds a lot of mystery to Leifeng Pagoda."

After coming out of Leifeng Pagoda, they came to Broken Bridge, which was bustling with people.

"This is the broken bridge, but it doesn't feel like it's broken." Huang Pengfei said puzzledly.

Li Xiao explained: "When it snows in winter, the snow and ice on the sunny side of the bridge melt, but there is still snow on the shady side. From a distance, it looks like it is broken, so it is called Broken Bridge with Residual Snow."

"Oh, so that's how it is. I really look forward to coming back in winter to see the beautiful scenery of the Broken Bridge with snow," said Huang Pengfei.

After visiting the scenic spots, their stomachs started to growl, so they went to a restaurant by the West Lake to taste the specialties of Hangzhou.

"Boss, can you recommend any special dishes?" Huang Pengfei said.

The boss introduced enthusiastically: "Our West Lake vinegar fish, Longjing shrimp, and beggar's chicken are all very famous."

"Okay, then give me one for each." Huang Pengfei said generously.

Soon, all the dishes were served. Li Xiao picked up a piece of West Lake vinegar fish and put it in his mouth. The fish meat was tender, sweet and sour. "Well, this West Lake vinegar fish tastes really good."

Huang Pengfei praised the Longjing shrimps highly: "The shrimps are fresh, tender and smooth, and have a light fragrance of Longjing tea. They are so delicious."

After dinner, they went to see a folk performance. The performance venue was full of spectators, and everyone was looking forward to the wonderful performance.

The performance began, with actors dressed in ancient costumes performing traditional arts such as Yue Opera and Pingtan. Their beautiful singing and delicate performances made Li Xiao and Huang Pengfei deeply intoxicated. "This Yue Opera is really beautiful, and the actors look very beautiful," said Huang Pengfei.

"Yes, these traditional arts are the treasures of our country and should be passed on well," said Li Xiao.

After the performance, the two came to a local specialty store, which was filled with various Hangzhou specialties, such as West Lake Longjing, silk, and Zhang Xiaoquan scissors.

"Old Li, what do you think we should buy?" Huang Pengfei asked.

"I think West Lake Longjing tea is good. It has a fresh and fragrant taste and is very representative. I can also buy some silk and give it to my family as a gift." Li Xiao said.

"Okay, I'll listen to you." Huang Pengfei began to select specialties.

After buying the local specialties, Li Xiao and Huang Pengfei stood by the West Lake, looking at the beautiful scenery, their hearts filled with reluctance.

"The West Lake in Hangzhou is so beautiful. I will definitely come back if I have the chance in the future," said Huang Pengfei.

"Well, our journey continues, and the next place will definitely be exciting." Li Xiao said.

Bidding farewell to the picturesque beauty of West Lake in Hangzhou, Li Xiao and Huang Pengfei set off on a journey to Chengdu. As soon as they arrived in Chengdu, the lively atmosphere and unique fireworks hit them.

"Old Li, Chengdu feels so vibrant!" Huang Pengfei looked at the bustling crowd around him excitedly.

Li Xiao smiled and nodded: "Chengdu is a charming city. We must experience it this time. Let's go to Jinli first."

The two came to Jinli Ancient Street, and the quaint buildings and dazzling shops immediately attracted their attention.

"Wow, this Jinli is so delicious!" Huang Pengfei exclaimed as he walked.

"Yes, this place is full of the Three Kingdoms culture and the traditional charm of Chengdu." Li Xiao replied.

They strolled through the ancient streets, where the street food stalls exuded enticing aromas.

"Old Li, smell it, it smells so good." Huang Pengfei couldn't help swallowing.

"Haha, Chengdu is the capital of food, the snacks here will definitely not disappoint us." Li Xiao said.

They came to a stall selling sugar-coated fruits. Huang Pengfei looked at the bunches of bright red sugar-coated fruits with curiosity.

"Boss, is this sugar-coated fruit delicious?" Huang Pengfei asked.

The boss replied enthusiastically: "It's delicious! Sweet but not greasy, crispy on the outside and glutinous on the inside."

Huang Pengfei bought a bunch and took a bite, his eyes lit up immediately. "Mm, it's really delicious! Lao Li, you should try it too."

Li Xiao took a bite of the sugar-coated fruit and nodded in praise: "It's really good. Let's go and see if there's anything else to eat."

They also tasted Chengdu specialties such as Long Chao Shou, Zhong Dumplings, and Dandan Noodles, and they were full of praise for each one.

"The food in Chengdu is just amazing!" Huang Pengfei said, touching his stomach.

"Haha, we've only tasted a small part of it." Li Xiao said with a smile.

After visiting the snack street, they came to a teahouse, which was full of people and very lively.

"Old Li, let's go have a cup of tea and experience the leisurely life in Chengdu." Huang Pengfei suggested.

The two found a seat and sat down, and ordered two cups of tea in covered bowls. The waiter skillfully prepared tea for them with graceful movements.

"The atmosphere in this teahouse is really great." Huang Pengfei looked at the people around him, some were chatting, some were playing cards, and some were listening to storytelling, with an envious look on his face.

"Yes, the life of Chengdu people is so leisurely and comfortable." Li Xiao said.

They drank tea while listening to the storytelling, which was vivid and colorful, drawing cheers from the crowd.

"Old Li, this storytelling is really interesting." Huang Pengfei said with a smile.

"Well, this is also one of Chengdu's traditional cultures." Li Xiao replied.

After leaving the teahouse, they went to see a Sichuan opera performance. The venue was packed with people looking forward to the wonderful performance.

The performance began, the actors were dressed in gorgeous costumes, with exquisite facial makeup on their faces. Their performance was wonderful, and the stunts such as face changing and fire breathing made Li Xiao and Huang Pengfei stunned.

"Wow, this Sichuan Opera is so amazing!" Huang Pengfei couldn't help but applaud.

"Yes, these traditional skills are really amazing." Li Xiao also praised.

After the performance, the two came to a local specialty store, which was filled with various Chengdu specialties, such as Pixian bean paste, Shu embroidery, and hot pot base.

"Old Li, what do you think we should buy?" Huang Pengfei asked.

"I think the hot pot base is good. I can cook hot pot myself when I go back. The Shu embroidery is also very exquisite. I can buy some to give to friends." Li Xiao said.

"Okay, I'll listen to you." Huang Pengfei began to select specialties.

After buying the local specialties, Li Xiao and Huang Pengfei stood at the exit of Jinli Ancient Street, looking at the bustling streets, their hearts filled with reluctance to leave.

"Jinli is really great. Chengdu is such a great place," said Huang Pengfei.

"Well, our journey continues, and I believe the next place will bring us different surprises." Li Xiao said.

Leaving the bustling Chengdu, Li Xiao and Huang Pengfei came to the ancient capital of Xi'an with a long history. As soon as they set foot on this land, they felt the strong historical atmosphere.

"Old Li, Xi'an seems to be a place with great heritage!" Huang Pengfei said with emotion as he looked at the ancient buildings around him.

Li Xiao nodded in agreement: "Yes, Xi'an is the ancient capital of 13 dynasties, with rich historical and cultural heritage. Let's go to the ancient city wall of Xi'an first."

The two came to the ancient city wall and looked up. The tall and majestic city wall seemed to be telling the glory of the past.

"Wow, this city wall is so spectacular!" Huang Pengfei exclaimed.

"Yes, this is the largest and best-preserved ancient city wall in China," said Li Xiao.

They bought tickets and climbed the city wall. The wall was wide and flat, and several cars could run side by side. They walked along the wall, feeling the weight of history.

"Old Li, how many stories did happen on this city wall in the past?" Huang Pengfei asked as they walked.

Li Xiao pondered for a moment and said, "There must be a lot. This city wall has witnessed the rise and fall of Xi'an and carries countless historical memories."

They came to a tower and stopped to take a closer look. The tower was tall and majestic, with extraordinary momentum.

"This tower is so beautiful and looks so majestic." Huang Pengfei exclaimed. (End of this chapter)