Punch: From third-rate anchor to top chef

Chapter 1623

In the afterglow of the setting sun, they embarked on a new journey with fond memories of Shanghai and looking forward to a trip to Hangzhou. Their friendship also grew deeper during this journey, just like the scenery along the way, colorful and endless.

Li Xiao, Zhang Yue and Lin Fei took the high-speed train and soon arrived in Hangzhou. As soon as they arrived in Hangzhou, the warm atmosphere of the Jiangnan water town hit them in the face, making them feel relaxed and happy.

"Wow, Hangzhou really lives up to its reputation as a 'paradise on earth'. The air is especially fresh." Zhang Yue stretched lazily and said with an intoxicated look on his face.

Li Xiao smiled and responded: "We have just arrived. When we get to West Lake, you will be at a loss for words because of its beauty."

Lin Fei urged from the side: "Don't just stand there and sigh, hurry up and head towards West Lake."

They came to the West Lake. It was spring, and the willows by the lake were swaying, with tender green branches dancing in the wind, as if they were the soft hair given to the West Lake by nature. The lake was rippling, and sparkling in the sunlight, like a huge mirror, reflecting the surrounding mountains and pavilions.

"If I were to compare the West Lake to Xi Shi, she would look beautiful with light or heavy makeup. I had only read about it in poems before, but now that I see it with my own eyes, I can truly appreciate its charm." Li Xiao couldn't help but recite Su Shi's famous line, his eyes full of intoxication with the beautiful scenery before his eyes.

Zhang Yue excitedly ran to the lake, squatted down, and gently touched the lake water with his hand, "The lake water is cool and comfortable. Look, there is a cruise ship over there, do you want to take a ride?"

Lin Fei agreed: "It's a good idea. It will definitely be a unique experience to tour the West Lake on a boat."

So, the three of them boarded a boat, the boatman gently rowed the oars, the boat slowly moved forward, drawing beautiful arcs on the lake. When the boat reached the center of the lake, Zhang Yue pointed to a tower in the distance and asked: "Is that Leifeng Pagoda? Did the story of White Snake take place there?"

Li Xiao nodded and said, "Yes, it is said that White Snake was suppressed by Fahai under Leifeng Pagoda. Although it is just a legend, it adds a lot of mystery to Leifeng Pagoda."

Lin Fei looked at Leifeng Pagoda and thought: "This story has been passed down for so many years, and it also reflects people's yearning for love and pursuit of beautiful things."

After getting off the boat, they came to the Yuewang Temple by the West Lake. The Yuewang Temple is solemn and dignified, and statues of heroes such as Yue Fei are enshrined. Walking into the temple, a feeling of reverence arises spontaneously.

"Yue Fei was devoted to his country, and his deeds are truly inspiring. 'Thirty years of glory and honor are reduced to dust, eight thousand miles of journey are reduced to clouds and moon', he dedicated his entire life to the cause of defending the country." Li Xiao said solemnly.

Zhang Yue also said with a serious expression: "Yes, I can feel his noble spirit here. He is a true national hero."

After visiting the Yuewang Temple, their stomachs started to growl, so they walked into a Hangzhou restaurant and ordered signature dishes such as West Lake Vinegar Fish and Longjing Shrimp.

"This West Lake Vinegar Fish has a unique taste, sour and sweet, and the fish meat is tender and smooth." Zhang Yue praised it after taking a bite of the West Lake Vinegar Fish.

Lin Fei picked up a Longjing shrimp and said, "This shrimp has a light tea fragrance. It is indeed a specialty of Hangzhou."

As night fell, the night market by the West Lake was bustling. They walked through the stalls and saw many handicrafts and souvenirs with Hangzhou characteristics. Zhang Yue was attracted by a silk product stall, which was filled with a variety of brightly colored and soft silk scarves and handkerchiefs.

"These silk products are so beautiful and feel so good to touch." Zhang Yue picked up a silk scarf and tried it on her body.

Li Xiao said: "Hangzhou's silk is very famous. It would be a good idea to buy some as a gift."

Lin Fei was selecting some small fans with West Lake patterns on the side: "These fans have a Jiangnan style and are perfect for summer."

During the day in Hangzhou, they enjoyed the beautiful scenery of West Lake, felt the profound history and culture, tasted delicious Hangzhou cuisine, and also got many special souvenirs. When they returned to the hotel to rest, Zhang Yue lay on the bed and said with satisfaction: "Today is really fulfilling. Hangzhou is such a great place."

Li Xiao smiled and said: "This is just the beginning. There are more beautiful scenery waiting for us to discover."

Lin Fei is also full of anticipation: "I don't know what kind of surprises will come at the next stop. I can't wait."

In anticipation of the journey ahead, the three gradually fell asleep, ready to greet the arrival of a new day.
Bidding farewell to the beautiful scenery of Hangzhou, Li Xiao, Zhang Yue and Lin Fei took the high-speed train to Nanjing, the ancient capital with a thousand-year-old history and cultural heritage.

As soon as they stepped into Nanjing, the ancient and solemn atmosphere came to them like a tide. "Nanjing, traces of history are everywhere here, and it feels like stepping on the strings of time with every step." Li Xiao's eyes were deep and full of emotion.

Zhang Yue looked around curiously: "So where should we go first?"

After thinking for a moment, Lin Fei suggested: "Let's go to the Sun Yat-sen Mausoleum first to pay tribute to the great Mr. Sun Yat-sen."

They came to the Sun Yat-sen Mausoleum and walked up the long stone steps. The pine and cypress trees on both sides of the stone steps were lush and green, and the solemnity became stronger. "Mr. Sun Yat-sen made great efforts to overthrow the feudal monarchy and establish a democratic republic. His achievements are worth remembering forever." Li Xiao said with respect.

Zhang Yue panted slightly and said, "Walking on these stone steps, I can't help but feel a sense of admiration in my heart, as if I can feel the intentions of the builders back then."

Lin Fei looked up at the memorial hall high up: "This magnificent building is also a permanent memorial to Mr. Sun's spirit."

After visiting the Sun Yat-sen Mausoleum, it was almost noon. They walked into a Nanjing specialty snack shop, which was filled with the aroma of various delicacies. "Come and try Nanjing's duck blood vermicelli soup, it's the signature dish." Li Xiao enthusiastically recommended.

Zhang Yue looked at the duck blood vermicelli soup in the bowl and sniffed it gently. "Wow, the aroma is so strong, and the vermicelli looks chewy." Then he took a bite and said, "The soup is fresh and delicious, and the duck blood is smooth and tender. It's great."

Lin Fei also praised the salted duck on the table: "This salted duck has a moderate salty and fragrant taste, and the meat is firm and has a unique flavor."

In the afternoon, they came to Confucius Temple. In front of Confucius Temple, the Qinhuai River flows quietly, and cruise ships travel back and forth on the river. "This is where scholars and scholars gathered in ancient times. There must be so many stories about the Qinhuai River with the sound of oars and lights." Li Xiao said softly.

Zhang Yue excitedly pulled the two of them towards the cruise ship dock: "Let's take a boat trip on the Qinhuai River and experience the ancient charm of Jinling."

Sitting on the cruise ship, the ancient buildings on both sides of the river looked like a dream under the lights. Zhang Yue pointed to a pavilion on the shore and asked, "What is that place?"

Li Xiao replied: "That is the Jiangnan Imperial Examination Hall. Countless students once sought fame and honor here. They studied hard for ten years just to get their names on the imperial examination."

Lin Fei sighed: "The Qinhuai River has witnessed the prosperity and rise and fall of Nanjing, and also witnessed the dreams and joys and sorrows of countless people." After the cruise ship docked, they strolled along the ancient street of Confucius Temple. The ancient street was bustling with people coming and going, and there were all kinds of traditional handicrafts. Zhang Yue stopped in front of a rain flower stone stall, which was colorful and crystal clear. "These rain flower stones are so beautiful, each one is like a work of art from nature."

Li Xiao said: "Yuhua Stone is one of Nanjing's characteristics, and it is said that there are many legends about it."

Lin Fei picked out some rain flower stones with exquisite patterns: "I can put them in the fish tank when I take them back. They will definitely look nice."

Then, they walked into a time-honored shop, which displayed various Nanjing brocade products. Zhang Yue gently stroked a piece of brocade and said, "The craftsmanship of this brocade is so exquisite, and the pattern is so beautiful."

Li Xiao introduced: "Nanjing brocade is a treasure among traditional Chinese silk handicrafts, and is known as 'an inch of brocade is worth an inch of gold'."

During their day in Nanjing, they traveled between historical sites and bustling markets, feeling the unique charm of this ancient capital. When night fell, they stood at the window of the hotel and looked at the night view of the city.

Zhang Yue said: "Nanjing has both profound historical culture and vibrant modern atmosphere, which is really fascinating."

Li Xiao nodded: "Yes, every time you go to a place, you can find different wonderful things. This is the meaning of traveling."

Lin Fei smiled and said: "I look forward to the next city and what kind of unforgettable experience it will bring us." Continue to visit Chang'an and travel with friends
After leaving Nanjing, Li Xiao, Zhang Yue and Lin Fei rushed to Xi'an, the ancient and mysterious capital of 13 dynasties.

"We're finally in Xi'an. This is a huge historical treasure!" Li Xiao said excitedly as soon as he got off the plane.

Read more latest popular novels at 6.9*shuba!

Zhang Yue took a deep breath and said, "The air seems to be filled with an ancient atmosphere. I can't wait to explore it."

Lin Fei also smiled and said: "The first stop must be the Terracotta Warriors of Qin Shi Huang, which is a world-famous wonder."

When they stepped into the Qin Shi Huang Terracotta Warriors and Horses Museum, they were instantly shocked by the spectacular sight. In Pit No. 1, thousands of life-size terracotta warriors were neatly arranged, with a magnificent momentum. "It's hard to imagine how the craftsmen more than 2,000 years ago created such a great work of art." Li Xiao's eyes widened in amazement.

Zhang Yue echoed: "Look at the expressions of these terracotta figurines, they are so lifelike, and each one seems to have his or her own story."

Lin Fei squatted down and carefully observed a pottery figurine: "The details are so exquisite that even the hair is clearly visible."

After leaving the Terracotta Warriors Museum, they came to the Xi'an City Wall. The ancient city wall is like a giant dragon, entrenched in the city. The three rented bicycles and rode on the city wall. "Riding on the city wall feels like traveling through time and space, and you can see the fusion of ancient and modern times." Zhang Yue said happily while riding.

Li Xiao smiled and responded: "Yes, this city wall has witnessed countless changes in Xi'an, and the years have left deep traces here."

Lin Fei looked at the city scene under the city wall: "On one side are ancient buildings, and on the other side are modern high-rise buildings. This contrast is very wonderful."

In the evening, they walked into the Muslim Street. The Muslim Street was bustling with people and the aroma of various delicacies filled the air. "Let's have a bowl of mutton soup with steamed buns, which is a classic delicacy in Xi'an," Li Xiao recommended.

Zhang Yue looked at the steamed bun with mutton soup in front of him and slowly broke it like the locals did: "The smaller the steamed bun is broken, the more flavorful it is. I have to make it carefully."

Lin Fei was devouring a Roujiamo on the side: "This Roujiamo is so crispy and has a nice meaty texture. It's really satisfying."

After eating, they continued to stroll in Huimin Street, admiring various handicrafts with ethnic characteristics. Zhang Yue was attracted by an exquisite shadow play prop: "This shadow play is so interesting. I have seen it on TV, but I didn't expect the real thing to be so exquisite."

Li Xiao introduced: "Shadow puppetry is a traditional folk art in Xi'an, and the performance is very exciting."

Lin Fei picked up a small shadow puppet and said, "Buy it and hang it in your room. It will look very artistic."

Then, they came to the Big Wild Goose Pagoda. The Big Wild Goose Pagoda looked particularly solemn under the light. "The Big Wild Goose Pagoda is an outstanding representative of Buddhist architectural art in the Tang Dynasty. It still stands tall despite wind and rain," said Li Xiao.

Zhang Yue looked up at the Big Wild Goose Pagoda: "Standing under it, I feel so small. It is like a wise man, quietly telling the glory of the past."

Lin Fei said: "The Buddhist culture here must be very profound, let's go in and take a look."

Inside the Big Wild Goose Pagoda, they admired various Buddha statues and murals, and felt the tranquility and peace of Buddhist culture.

When the day's trip ended, they returned to the hotel. Zhang Yue lay on the bed and said with emotion: "Xi'an is really a place full of surprises. There are historical stories in every corner."

Li Xiao nodded: "Yes, this profound cultural heritage is unmatched by other cities, and we have only experienced a small part of it."

Lin Fei said with anticipation: "I don't know what new discoveries will be made tomorrow. I can't wait."
After finishing their historical journey in Xi'an, Li Xiao, Zhang Yue and Lin Fei went to Changsha, a star city full of vitality and bustling atmosphere.

"Changsha is a paradise for food and entertainment. We are sure we can have a great time!" Zhang Yue jumped for joy as he set foot in Changsha.

Li Xiao also smiled and said, "Yes, I heard that the nightlife here is quite rich, and there are many special foods waiting for us to taste."

Lin Fei suggested: "Let's go to Yuelu Mountain first to experience the natural scenery and cultural atmosphere there."

They arrived at the foot of Yuelu Mountain and began to climb along the winding mountain road. The mountain was shaded by green trees and the air was exceptionally fresh. "The scenery of Yuelu Mountain is so beautiful, it feels like walking into a natural painting." Zhang Yue exclaimed as he walked.

Li Xiao pointed to Yuelu Academy in the distance and said, "Look, that's Yuelu Academy, a thousand-year-old institution that has trained countless talents. The cultural heritage there is very profound."

Lin Fei asked curiously: "Are there any precious cultural relics or relics in there?"

Li Xiao replied: "There are many ancient books, inscriptions, and old sites where famous people gave lectures. If you go in and take a look, you will know how shocking it is."