Punch: From third-rate anchor to top chef

The plane slowly landed at Qingdao Jiaodong International Airport. Li Xiao, Zhang Yue and Lin Fei looked out the window and saw the boundless blue sea and the neatly arranged red-tiled buildings contrasting with each other, their hearts filled with joy and anticipation.

"Qingdao, here we come! I've heard about the beautiful beaches, European-style buildings, and the world-famous Tsingtao Beer here." Zhang Yue said excitedly, with a gleam in his eyes.

Lin Fei, with his bag on his back, smiled and responded, "We must check in at the Zhanqiao, and also at Badaguan. It is said that there are buildings of various styles from all over the world, like a museum of architectural art."

Li Xiao greeted everyone: "Let's go to the hotel to check in first, and then we will go straight to the pier to start our trip to Qingdao."

After arriving at the hotel and taking a short rest, they came to the pier. The pier extended into the sea, and at the end was Huilan Pavilion. The sea breeze blew gently, and the waves hit the piers of the pier.

"Standing on the pier, I feel so close to the sea. The sea breeze blowing on my face is so comfortable." Li Xiao opened his arms and felt the embrace of the sea breeze.

Zhang Yue looked at the clear water under the bridge and said, "Look, you can see the fish in the sea. The water is so clean."

Lin Fei took out his phone to take a photo: "This pier and the city skyline in the distance form a beautiful picture. I must record it."

After strolling along the pier, they walked into a seafood restaurant. The display table was filled with fresh seafood, including plump crabs, tender shrimps, and various shellfish.

"Of course we have to have a seafood dinner in Qingdao," said Li Xiao.

Soon, dishes such as steamed crabs, braised prawns, and spicy fried clams were served. The crabs had plump roe, the prawns were chewy, and the clams were spicy and delicious.

"The seafood in Qingdao is so fresh. Every bite is full of the taste of the sea." Zhang Yue praised it highly.

After dinner, they came to Badaguan, which is a tree-lined area with buildings of different styles, including British, French, and German.

"The buildings here are so beautiful. It feels like being in a small town in Europe." Li Xiao said, admiring the villas of different styles.

Zhang Yue walked into a courtyard, looked at the flowers and architectural details in the courtyard, and sighed: "People in the past really knew how to enjoy life. It must be very pleasant to live in a place like this."

Lin Fei was studying the architectural style and features: "These buildings combine the essence of Western architecture with the regional characteristics of Qingdao. They are truly treasures of architectural art."

While visiting Badaguan, they also met several couples taking wedding photos.

“It must be really beautiful to take wedding photos here with such a beautiful background.” Zhang Yue said enviously.

After leaving Badaguan, it was getting dark and they came to May Fourth Square, where the "May Wind" sculpture stood, which was particularly eye-catching under the light.

"This 'May Wind' is very meaningful, representing Qingdao's youthful vitality and patriotic spirit," said Li Xiao.

People were coming and going around the square, some were taking a walk, some were enjoying the night view. They sat down by the square, looking at the sea in the distance and the brilliant lights of the city.

"The night in Qingdao is very charming. It has both a modern atmosphere and the gentleness of the sea," said Zhang Yue.

The next day, they headed to Mount Laoshan, a majestic mountain range dotted with green trees and Taoist temples.

"Laoshan is indeed a famous mountain on the sea. The scenery is so beautiful." Lin Fei said as he walked along the mountain road.

They visited the Taiqing Palace, where incense smoke curled up and ancient trees towered into the sky. Taoists in Taoist robes were practicing in the palace.

"This Taiqing Palace has a peaceful and harmonious atmosphere, which calms people's hearts." Li Yue said softly.

After a day of sightseeing in Laoshan, they came to the Tsingtao Beer Museum, which displays the history and brewing process of Tsingtao Beer.

"It turns out that Tsingtao Beer has such a long history and unique brewing technology." Li Xiao said, looking at the exhibits in the museum.

They also tasted fresh Tsingtao original beer in the museum, which had rich foam and a mellow taste.

"This Tsingtao Original Beer is amazing. It tastes completely different from the beer we usually drink." Lin Fei said. After taking a sip, a satisfied smile appeared on his face.

During their stay in Qingdao, they fully enjoyed the city's beautiful scenery, delicious food and unique cultural atmosphere. Whether strolling along the beach or walking through European-style buildings, whether tasting seafood or drinking Tsingtao beer, all became unforgettable memories of their trip.

"Qingdao is truly an intoxicating city, with the romance of the sea, the art of architecture, and the joy of food and beer," Zhang Yue said with emotion.

Li Xiao nodded: "Yes, but our journey continues. The next stop is Harbin, where we will experience the charm of the ice city and its ice and snow culture."

Lin Fei said with a smile: "From the coastal city to the ice city, it will definitely be a brand new experience. I can't wait." Continue to experience the snowy charm of the ice city and the style of the northern country.
When the plane landed at Harbin Taiping International Airport, Li Xiao, Zhang Yue and Lin Fei just stepped out of the cabin when a gust of cold air hit them in the face, as if instantly bringing them into a world of ice and snow covered in silver.

"Wow, the feeling of cold is so direct, but it really has the atmosphere of an ice city." Zhang Yue wrapped his coat tightly around him, but could not hide the excitement in his eyes.

Lin Fei rubbed his hands, exhaled a breath of white air, and said with a smile: "I have long wanted to come to Harbin to see the Ice and Snow World. Those castles made of ice and snow must be very spectacular."

Li Xiao dragged his luggage and responded as he walked: "Let's go to the hotel to warm up first. After putting our things away, we will go shopping in the city and feel the unique charm of this northern ice city."

After arriving at the hotel and taking a short rest, they came to Central Street, which was paved with unique square stones and lined with European-style buildings of various styles. Covered with ice and snow, it added a fairy-tale atmosphere.

"This Central Avenue is so impressive, it's like walking into a fairytale town in Europe, and every building seems to be telling stories from the past," Li Xiao said, looking up at the exquisite buildings. Zhang Yue walked into a small shop selling Russian nesting dolls, picked up a set of colorful nesting dolls, and exclaimed, "Look at these nesting dolls, they are so delicate, layer upon layer, so interesting."

Lin Fei joked: "You are going to take it back as a family heirloom. You seem to be reluctant to let it go."

Zhang Yue rolled her eyes at him and said, "I just think it looks nice. It would be nice to buy it as a souvenir."

Walking along Central Avenue, they smelled sweet aromas and found a stall selling Madiel popsicles. Despite the cold weather, eating Madiel popsicles has become an essential experience in Harbin.

"It's quite a strange feeling to eat a popsicle in such a cold day. But this popsicle has a strong milky flavor. It's really delicious." Li Xiao said after taking a bite of the popsicle.

Coming out of Central Avenue, they arrived at the St. Sophia Cathedral, which was magnificent, with its onion-shaped dome covered with thick snow, shining with holy light under the sunlight.

"This Saint Sophia Cathedral is so stunning. It is worthy of being the landmark building of Harbin. Standing in front of it, it feels particularly solemn and sacred." Zhang Yue said while looking up at the church.

They walked into the church. Although religious activities were no longer held there, the large space, exquisite murals and quaint atmosphere still made people feel its former glory.

“Here, it’s as if I can travel through time and space and see the scenes of people worshiping here in the past.” Lin Fei said softly, his eyes full of emotion.

In the evening, they went to the Ice and Snow World. As soon as they entered the park, they were shocked by the dreamlike ice and snow kingdom in front of them. The castles, palaces, cartoon characters, etc. carved out of ice and snow were crystal clear and dazzling under the colorful lights.

"Oh my God, this is so spectacular! It's like a fairy tale world of ice and snow. I feel like I've walked into the scene of Disney's Frozen." Li Xiao shouted excitedly, and couldn't wait to move between the various ice sculptures.

Zhang Yue stood in front of an ice slide, eager to try: "Let's go play on this ice slide, it must be very exciting."

Lin Fei smiled and nodded, so they lined up and experienced the thrill of sliding down a high ice slide. Their laughter and joy along the way echoed in the world of ice and snow.

After playing for a while, they tasted the steaming hot iron pot stew, which contained ribs, chicken, vermicelli, potatoes and other ingredients, with a circle of cornmeal cakes attached to the edge of the pot.

"This iron pot stew is so delicious. Eating it hot warms up my body instantly. It also has a rich flavor, which is perfect for this cold weather." Zhang Yue said while eating.

The next day, they came to the Sun Island Snow Expo, where there were lifelike snow sculptures of various shapes everywhere, including figures from mythological stories, cute animal images, and large snow sculptures showing the city of Harbin.

"These snow sculptures are simply works of art. They are so big and yet carved so delicately. I really admire the creators." Li Xiao exclaimed as he stood around a large snow sculpture.

Lin Fei was busy taking photos among the snow sculptures: "Such beautiful snow sculptures, I must take more photos and show my friends the unique charm of this ice city when I go back."

During the few days in Harbin, they fully immersed themselves in the ice and snow culture and rich exotic customs of this ice city. Whether appreciating the exquisite architecture, stunning ice and snow sculptures, or tasting the special food, they all left a deep and beautiful impression on the city.

"Harbin is really a very special city. This world of ice and snow is so fascinating. It feels like we can never have enough fun here." Zhang Yue said with emotion.

Li Xiao nodded in agreement: "Yes, but our journey continues. The next stop is Haikou. It will definitely be a different experience to switch from the icy and snowy environment to the warm seaside."

Lin Fei smiled and said, "That's really exciting. I can't imagine how strong the contrast will be."
The plane broke through the clouds and slowly landed at Haikou Meilan International Airport. The moment Li Xiao, Zhang Yue and Lin Fei stepped out of the cabin, they were instantly enveloped by warm and humid air, as if they had jumped from a cold winter day into a warm spring day. The strong temperature difference made them feel deeply moved.

"Wow, this feeling is so wonderful. I was in the snowy Harbin just now, and now I am in Haikou where it is as warm as spring. I feel relaxed all over." Zhang Yue said with a satisfied look on his face as he untied his scarf.

Lin Fei also stretched his body and responded with a smile: "Yes, I have been thinking about the blue sea, blue sky, coconut trees and beaches in Haikou for a long time. Now I can finally enjoy them."

Li Xiao looked at the lush green plants outside the airport and planned his itinerary: "Let's go to the hotel to put down our luggage first, and then go straight to the beach to experience the seaside style of this coconut city."

After checking in at the hotel and taking a short rest, they could not wait to go to Holiday Beach. The long coastline was endless, the golden beach was shining in the sunshine, rows of tall coconut trees were swaying in the wind, and the waves were gently hitting the beach, making a pleasant sound.

"This is what a vacation should be like, blue sky, white clouds, blue sea and golden sand. It's so comfortable." Li Xiao took a deep breath of the sea-scented air and sighed sincerely.

Zhang Yue excitedly rushed to the beach, stepped barefoot on the soft and warm sand, and said happily: "Come on, this sand is so comfortable, it feels like a massage for your feet."

Lin Fei put on sunglasses, lay on a beach chair, and enjoyed the sun bath: "Bathing in the sun and feeling the sea breeze will make all the fatigue disappear. It would be perfect if I could have a coconut."

Speak of the devil, and soon a vendor selling coconuts passed by. They each bought a coconut, inserted a straw, drank the sweet coconut juice, and looked at the sea in front of them. They felt so comfortable.

After strolling along the beach for a while, they saw some stalls selling water sports, including jet skis, banana boats, etc.

"Let's go for a jet ski ride, it's bound to be very exciting." Li Xiao suggested, his eyes full of eagerness to try.

So, they put on life jackets and, under the guidance of the staff, drove the motorboats on the sea at lightning speed. The splashing waves hit their bodies, accompanied by their laughter and joy, making the entire sea full of vitality.

After playing tired, they came to a nearby seafood food stall. There were all kinds of fresh seafood in front of them, including plump lobsters, tender grouper, big and plump oysters, etc.

"When you are in Haikou, you must try the authentic seafood. It looks so tempting." Zhang Yue looked at the seafood, swallowed his saliva and said.

Soon, dishes such as steamed grouper, steamed oysters with garlic, and blanched shrimp were served. The grouper was tender and melted in the mouth; the oysters were fragrant with the garlic; the shrimp was firm and sweet, and every bite made people indulge in the delicious seafood.

"The seafood in Haikou is so fresh and delicious. Then, they took a boat to visit the moat. The boat moved slowly on the green river, and the boatman rowed the oars, making rhythmic sounds. The weeping willows on both sides of the river fluttered in the wind, and the ancient city tower in the distance looked particularly majestic in the afterglow of the setting sun. "The scenery of this water town is really intoxicating. Every glance makes people intoxicated." Zhang Yue leaned on the side of the boat, with a happy smile on his face. (End of this chapter)