Punch: From third-rate anchor to top chef

Chapter 1601

"The Naxi dance and music are so beautiful." Huang Pengfei applauded excitedly.

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

After the performance, they came to the local specialty store, which was filled with various Lijiang specialties, such as Dongba paper, yak jerky, and shawls.

Li Xiao and Huang Pengfei were standing at the entrance of Fenghuang Ancient Town, carrying big backpacks, their eyes full of excitement and anticipation.

"Hey, Lao Li, the ancient town of Fenghuang is very famous. I heard that it is as beautiful as a painting." Huang Pengfei said as he adjusted the shoulder straps of his backpack.

Li Xiao looked at the quaint buildings ahead and responded, "Of course, I've wanted to come here for a long time. Let's go and visit those special scenic spots first."

The two walked slowly along the bluestone road. On both sides of the street were wooden stilt houses, as if telling an ancient story. The Tuojiang River passed through the city. The river water was clear and the breeze blew, creating ripples.

"Wow, this scenery is so beautiful." Huang Pengfei couldn't help but sigh, "It feels like walking into an ink painting."

Li Xiao smiled and nodded: "Indeed, the architectural style here is unique and very charming."

They came to Hongqiao, a wind and rain bridge across the Tuojiang River, with an antique charm. People were coming and going on the bridge, some were enjoying the scenery, and some were taking pictures. Li Xiao and Huang Pengfei also stopped and looked out over the railing.

"Look, the stilt houses over there are reflected in the river. They are really beautiful." Huang Pengfei said, pointing to the distance.

"Well, the scenery here is really intoxicating." Li Xiao responded.

After coming down from Hongqiao, they came to the Tuojiang River again. There were many local women washing clothes by the river, and some children playing in the water.

"This picture is full of life." said Huang Pengfei.

"Yes, it seems that people here live a very comfortable life." Li Xiao said.

They rented a small boat and rowed slowly on the Tuojiang River. While rowing, the boatman introduced the history and culture of Fenghuang Ancient Town to them.

"This Fenghuang Ancient Town has a long history. The stilt houses here are traditional buildings of ethnic minorities such as the Miao and Tujia people. They are very distinctive," said the boatman.

Li Xiao and Huang Pengfei listened with great interest and asked questions from time to time.

"Master, has the water of Tuojiang River always been so clear?" Huang Pengfei asked.

"In the past, the water of Tuojiang River was very clear and could be drunk directly. But now there are more tourists and it is sometimes a bit polluted, but the government is also stepping up its efforts to control it," the boatman replied.

The boat moved slowly on the river, and they admired the scenery on both sides of the river. The stilt houses, green mountains and green water formed a beautiful picture.

After visiting Tuojiang River, Li Xiao and Huang Pengfei were hungry, so they came to a local restaurant to taste the food of Fenghuang Ancient Town.

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

The boss introduced enthusiastically: "Our blood duck, Miao sour soup fish, and bacon are all very good, and are all local specialties."

"Okay, then give me one each." Li Xiao said.

Soon, all the dishes were served. The duck with blood cakes was delicious, the duck meat was tender and juicy, and the blood cakes were soft and glutinous. The Miao fish in sour soup was sour and spicy, and the fish meat was tender and smooth. The bacon was fat but not greasy, and the aroma was fragrant.

"Wow, this tastes so good." Huang Pengfei exclaimed while eating.

"It's really delicious. This trip was worth it." Li Xiao also nodded and praised.

After dinner, they went to watch the folk performance. The performance venue was full of spectators, and on the stage, actors dressed in ethnic costumes performed Miao songs and dances, Tujia hand-waving dances and other programs.

"This performance is really wonderful. It allows us to feel the cultural charm of ethnic minorities," said Huang Pengfei.

"Yes, these folk performances are very unique and give us a deeper understanding of the local culture," said Li Xiao.

After the performance, they came to the local specialty store, which was filled with a variety of specialties, including Miao silver jewelry, Tujia brocade, ginger candy, etc.

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

"I think I can buy some silver jewelry and give them to my family and friends," said Li Xiao.

"Okay, then let's buy silver jewelry." Huang Pengfei said.

They picked out some exquisite silver jewelry, paid the money, and prepared to leave Fenghuang Ancient Town and head to the next attraction.

"The ancient town of Fenghuang is so beautiful, it makes people linger in the memory," said Huang Pengfei.

"Yes, the scenery, food and folk performances here have left a deep impression on us," said Li Xiao.

Carrying their backpacks, the two embarked on a new journey, looking forward to the next attraction bringing them more surprises.

After leaving Fenghuang Ancient Town, Li Xiao and Huang Pengfei traveled all the way and finally arrived at the picturesque Guilin. Standing on the land of Guilin, both of them were shocked by the beautiful scenery in front of them and were speechless.

"Old Li, I've always heard that 'Guilin's landscape is the best in the world'. After seeing it today, I find that it is indeed worthy of its reputation!" Huang Pengfei said excitedly.

Li Xiao looked at the rolling green hills and the jade-like river in the distance and said with emotion: "Yes, the scenery here is so beautiful. Let's go to the scenic spot quickly."

They first came to the Li River, the water of which was crystal clear, and the peaks on both sides of the river were in different shapes, some like camels, some like elephants, some like old men, and some like fairies... It made people marvel at the uncanny workmanship of nature.

"Wow, look at that mountain, does it look like a giant camel?" Huang Pengfei said, pointing to a mountain in the distance.

"It really does! Nature is truly magical." Li Xiao responded.

They boarded a boat and sailed slowly on the Li River. The breeze blew on their faces, bringing bursts of fresh air. As the boatman rowed, he introduced the beautiful scenery and legends of the Li River to them.

"The Li River has many beautiful legends. It is said that a long time ago, there was an evil dragon here, which often caused trouble and endangered the people. Later, a brave young man stepped forward and started a fierce battle with the evil dragon. In the end, the dragon was defeated and the people were protected. In order to commemorate this young man, people named this river Li River." said the boatman.

Li Xiao and Huang Pengfei listened attentively, as if they were part of the legend themselves.

After the boat had been sailing on the Li River for a while, they came to a small island. The island was shaded by green trees, with birds singing and flowers blooming. They strolled along the path, feeling the tranquility and beauty of nature.

"It's really quiet here, which makes people feel relaxed." Huang Pengfei said.

"Well, there is no hustle and bustle of the city here, only the sounds of nature." Li Xiao said.

After coming down from the island, they came to Yangshuo. Yangshuo is a charming town with many unique shops and bars. They strolled around the town and tasted the local food.

"Boss, what special dishes do you have here?" Huang Pengfei asked.

The boss introduced enthusiastically: "Our beer fish, stuffed snails, and Guilin rice noodles are all very good, and they are all local specialties." "Okay, then give me one portion of each." Li Xiao said.

Soon, all the dishes were served. The beer fish was delicious, the fish was tender and juicy, and the taste of beer was just right. The snail stuffing was also very unique. The snail meat was taken out, chopped together with pork, mushrooms and other fillings, and then stuffed back into the snail shell and cooked. It tasted delicious. Guilin rice noodles were smooth and delicious, and with the special brine and seasoning, it was unforgettable.

"Wow, this tastes so good." Huang Pengfei exclaimed while eating.

"It's really delicious. Guilin's food is really unique." Li Xiao also nodded and praised.

After dinner, they went to watch a folk performance. The performance venue was full of spectators, and on the stage, actors dressed in ethnic costumes performed Zhuang songs and dances, Yao long drums and other programs.

"This performance is really wonderful. It allows us to feel the cultural charm of ethnic minorities," said Huang Pengfei.

"Yes, these folk performances are very unique and give us a deeper understanding of the local culture," said Li Xiao.

After the performance, they came to the local specialty store, which was filled with a variety of specialties, including Guilin Sanhua Liquor, Guilin Chili Sauce, Yangshuo Painted Fans, etc.

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

"I think we can buy some Guilin Sanhua Liquor and bring it back for our dad to try." Li Xiao said.

"Okay, then let's buy Guilin Sanhua Liquor." Huang Pengfei said.

They picked a few bottles of Guilin Sanhua Liquor, paid the money, and prepared to leave Guilin and go to the next attraction.

"The Guilin landscape is so beautiful that it is unforgettable," said Huang Pengfei.

"Yes, the scenery, food and folk performances here have left a deep impression on us. Where should we go to next?" Li Xiao said.

"Why don't we go to Zhangjiajie? I heard the scenery there is also very spectacular." Huang Pengfei said.

"Okay, then let's go to Zhangjiajie." Li Xiao said.

Li Xiao and Huang Pengfei set out on the road to Zhangjiajie with reluctance to leave Guilin. After some twists and turns, they finally stood on the land of Zhangjiajie and were shocked by the majestic and magnificent scene before them.

"Old Li, this Zhangjiajie is really extraordinary! Look at those strange peaks and rocks, they are so spectacular." Huang Pengfei said excitedly with his eyes wide open.

Li Xiao looked at the towering mountains in the distance and responded, "Yes, I've heard that the mountains in Zhangjiajie are extremely unique. Seeing them today is really breathtaking. Let's go to the scenic spot and take a look."

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

"I think Dongba paper is very unique. You can buy some as a souvenir. Yak jerky is also good and tastes great," 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 Lijiang Ancient Town, looking at the beautiful night view, their hearts filled with reluctance.

"The ancient town of Lijiang 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.

Leaving the ancient city of Lijiang full of ethnic customs, Li Xiao and Huang Pengfei came to Harbin with a strong exotic atmosphere. The moment they stepped onto Central Street, they were immediately attracted by the unique architectural style.

"Old Li, Harbin is really unique!" Huang Pengfei looked at the European-style buildings on the street, his eyes full of surprise.

Li Xiao smiled and nodded: "Yes, Harbin's Central Street is a street full of history and culture. Let's go and have a good stroll."

The two walked along the central street, the breadstone road under their feet was smooth and textured. The buildings on both sides of the street were of different styles, including Baroque, Eclecticism and Art Nouveau.

"Look at that building, it's so beautiful!" Huang Pengfei said, pointing to a small European-style building with exquisite carvings.

"Well, these buildings are witnesses of history, and each one has its own story." Li Xiao responded.

They walked into a Russian western restaurant, ready to taste Harbin's special cuisine.

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

The boss introduced enthusiastically: "Our red sausage, braised beef in cans, and kvass 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 red sausage and put it in his mouth. The aroma and chewiness of the red sausage made his eyes light up.

"This red sausage tastes really good and is very unique." Li Xiao praised.

Huang Pengfei has a special liking for canned braised beef: "This beef is very flavorful and tastes great."

After finishing their meal, they continued to stroll along the Central Street, where there were many small shops selling Russian goods, filled with all kinds of exquisite handicrafts and specialty foods.

"Old Li, look at this nesting doll, it's so cute!" Huang Pengfei picked up a nesting doll and looked at it carefully.

"Well, Russian nesting dolls are very famous. It would be nice to buy one as a souvenir." Li Xiao said.

They came to a small shop selling kvass, bought two bottles of kvass, and sat on a bench on the street to taste them.

"This kvass tastes very unique, a bit like beer and a bit like a drink." Huang Pengfei said after taking a sip of kvass.

"Yes, kvass is a specialty drink in Harbin and is very popular," said Li Xiao.

After strolling along Central Avenue, they went to see an ice lantern show, where a variety of exquisite ice lanterns were dazzling.

"These ice lanterns are so beautiful!" Huang Pengfei looked at the crystal clear ice lanterns excitedly.

"Yes, Harbin's ice lanterns are world-famous, and these ice lanterns are all made with great care by artists," said Li Xiao.

After the performance, they came to a local specialty store, which was filled with various Harbin specialties, such as red sausage, Qiulin Liados bread, Russian chocolate, etc.

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

"I think we can buy more sausages and give them to relatives and friends when we get home. Russian chocolate is also good, and the taste is very authentic," 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 at the end of Central Avenue, looking at the brightly lit streets, their hearts filled with reluctance.

"Harbin Central Street is so beautiful. I will definitely come here again if I have the chance," said Huang Pengfei.