Punch: From third-rate anchor to top chef

Chapter 1626

Standing on the street in Lanzhou, Li Xiao excitedly said to Zhang Yue and Lin Fei beside him: "We have finally started our trip to China. The first stop is Lanzhou. I heard it is a fascinating place!"

Zhang Yue's eyes sparkled as he responded, "Yes, I've wanted to come to Lanzhou for a long time, especially the famous Yellow River scenery."

Lin Fei smiled and teased: "I knew you were thinking about the Yellow River, but I am drooling over the food in Lanzhou."

The three of them first came to the Yellow River Scenic Spot. Walking along the river bank, Li Xiao opened his arms, felt the breeze blowing, and exclaimed: "The Yellow River is rushing endlessly, it really has a majestic and magnificent feeling."

Zhang Yue nodded in agreement: "Yes, looking at the Yellow River is like seeing the long river of Chinese nation's history flowing."

Lin Fei joked: "You two should stop being sentimental here, let's find a place to enjoy the scenery."

So they found a bench by the river and sat down, watching the cruise ships coming and going on the river. Li Xiao suddenly said, "How about we go on a cruise? It must be a different experience to see the Yellow River from the water."

"Okay!" Zhang Yue and Lin Fei responded in unison.

On the cruise ship, Li Xiao looked at the scenery on the shore receding and said to Zhang Yue: "Do you know? The Yellow River is like a mother's embrace to Lanzhou, nurturing the unique culture of this city."

Zhang Yue said: "Yes, and the architecture here is also very distinctive. Those ancient bridges across the Yellow River connect the city's past and present."

Lin Fei lay on the side of the boat, looking at the Yellow River water, and said: "This water is really yellow, but it has a kind of simple beauty."

After getting off the cruise ship, their stomachs started to growl. They walked into a Lanzhou ramen restaurant. As soon as they entered, the aroma of the rich beef soup hit their noses.

Li Xiao took a deep breath and said, "This tastes amazing! You must try the authentic Lanzhou ramen when you come to Lanzhou."

Zhang Yue smiled and said, "Yes, this is Lanzhou's signature food."

Lin Fei couldn't wait to shout to the boss: "Boss, give me three big bowls of Lanzhou ramen!"

After a while, the steaming hot ramen was served. Li Xiao looked at the noodles in the bowl and said, "The noodles are evenly thick, the soup is clear and delicious, and there are a lot of beef slices. It looks appetizing." Then he started to eat with big mouthfuls.

Zhang Yue took a few bites and gave a thumbs up: "Well, this noodle is really chewy, and the soup is rich, worthy of being called Lanzhou Ramen."

While eating, Lin Fei mumbled, "It's so delicious. I feel like I can eat two bowls."

After eating ramen, they came to a folk culture square. Lanzhou Taiping drum was being performed in the square. The drummers were dressed in costumes and beat the huge Taiping drums with great energy.

Li Xiao was attracted by the lively scene and said, "The Taiping drum performance is so impressive. The drum sound is deafening and it seems to have brought out the enthusiasm of the people of Lanzhou."

Zhang Yue said: "Yes, this is also an important representative of Lanzhou folk culture. Look at the patterns on the drum, they seem to have special meanings."

Lin Fei curiously asked an old man next to him: "Grandpa, what do the patterns on the drum mean?"

The old man smiled and explained: "These patterns are very particular. Some of them symbolize good luck, and some represent good weather and good harvests."

After enjoying the Taiping drum performance, they picked up local specialties from the small stalls beside the square. Li Xiao picked up an exquisite Yellow River stone handicraft and said to Zhang Yue and Lin Fei: "Look at this Yellow River stone, the texture is very unique, it's a good souvenir to take back."

Zhang Yue was attracted by some Lanzhou handmade embroidery and said: "These embroidery are so exquisite. They all depict the characteristic scenery of Lanzhou and are of great commemorative value."

Lin Fei picked out some Lanzhou specialty snacks and said, "I'll buy some food to take back so that my family can also taste the flavor of Lanzhou."

As the journey in Lanzhou was coming to an end, Li Xiao said with great interest: "Lanzhou is such a great place, with the magnificent Yellow River, delicious ramen, wonderful folk performances, and unique specialties."

Zhang Yue said: "Yes, but our journey has just begun, and the next stop will definitely be exciting."

Lin Fei shouted excitedly: "Then let's set off quickly and explore the next city!"

So, they set off for the next attraction with beautiful memories of Lanzhou, their hearts full of anticipation for the unknown journey.

Continue to Chapter 2: Trip to Dunhuang
Li Xiao, Zhang Yue and Lin Fei were riding in a car to Dunhuang, and the ride was bumpy. Li Xiao looked at the changing scenery outside the window and said to his friends, "I'm really looking forward to Dunhuang, it's a place full of mystery."

Zhang Yue responded, "Yes, the Mogao Grottoes in Dunhuang are world-famous. I have always wanted to go and see those exquisite murals with my own eyes."

Lin Fei stretched lazily: "I would like to try the special food of Dunhuang. I wonder what delicious food is waiting for us."

Finally arriving in Dunhuang, their first stop was the Mogao Grottoes. Standing in front of the Mogao Grottoes, Li Xiao was shocked by the scene before him and murmured: "These caves have gone through the vicissitudes of time, but they still preserve such precious artistic treasures. It's incredible."

Zhang Yue's face was full of reverence: "It is said that these murals were painted in different dynasties, and each one has a profound cultural heritage and religious connotation."

At this time, the tour guide came over and began to explain. They followed the guide into the cave. In a cave, Li Xiao pointed to a mural and asked, "Guide, what story does this mural depict?"

The tour guide patiently replied: "This is a common 'flying fairy' image in Dunhuang murals. It symbolizes freedom and beauty and has a special meaning in Buddhist culture."

Zhang Yue carefully examined the colors and lines of the murals and exclaimed: "The ancients' painting skills were so exquisite. After so many years, the colors are still so bright."

Lin Fei whispered, "Looking at these murals, I feel like I've traveled back to ancient times. I can feel the beliefs and pursuits of the people at that time."

After visiting the Mogao Grottoes, the three of them came to a local restaurant. Li Xiao looked at the menu and said, "The food in Dunhuang seems to be very special. Do you have any recommendations?"

The waiter introduced with a smile: "Our donkey meat yellow noodles are very famous, and the poplar braised pancakes are also very good."

"Then let's have a bowl of donkey meat noodles and a plate of poplar stewed pancake," said Zhang Yue.

Soon, the dishes were served. Li Xiao first tasted the donkey meat yellow noodles and his eyes lit up: "The noodles are smooth and the donkey meat is tender, the combination tastes wonderful." Zhang Yue ate a piece of poplar braised pancake and praised: "This braised pancake absorbs the unique fragrance of poplar, and has a unique flavor."

While eating, Lin Fei said: "The food in Dunhuang really didn't disappoint me. It's different from that in Lanzhou. They each have their own merits."

As night fell, they came to the night market in Dunhuang. It was very lively here, with various folk performances. They found an empty seat and sat down to watch the Dunhuang dance performance.

Li Xiao said to Zhang Yue: "This Dunhuang dance is so graceful and shows the cultural characteristics of Dunhuang to the fullest."

Zhang Yue said: "Yes, the dancers' costumes and movements are full of Western style, as if they are telling an ancient legend."

After the performance, they strolled around the night market, picking out local specialties. Lin Fei picked up a Dunhuang luminous cup, looked at it against the light, and said, "This luminous cup is so beautiful, the legendary 'luminous cup of grape wine', it must be very nice to buy it and drink from it."

Li Xiao chose some copies of Dunhuang murals: "Although these copies are not as good as the originals in Mogao Grottoes, they can also remind us of our experiences here."

Zhang Yue bought some special spices from Dunhuang: "The smell of these spices is very unique. Bringing them back home can make the room full of the flavor of Dunhuang."

This day in Dunhuang was fulfilling and wonderful. Li Xiao said with satisfaction: "Dunhuang is really a charming place. The art, food, and folk customs are all unforgettable."

Zhang Yue nodded: "That's right, but our journey continues. What kind of surprise will the next stop bring?"

Lin Fei is full of anticipation: "No matter where the next stop is, it will definitely not be worse than Dunhuang. I can't wait!" Continue to Chapter 3: Xi'an Trip

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Li Xiao, Zhang Yue and Lin Fei were riding on a bullet train, speeding all the way to Xi'an. In the carriage, Li Xiao was looking through the travel guide to Xi'an, and said to Zhang Yue and Lin Fei: "Xi'an, it is the ancient capital of 13 dynasties, with a profound historical heritage. This time, we will definitely be able to feast our eyes!"

Zhang Yue was also excited: "Yes, I have long wanted to see the Terracotta Warriors, it is a world-famous wonder."

Lin Fei smiled and said, "I'm just waiting to go to Huimin Street to eat all kinds of delicious food. I heard that there are so many snacks in Xi'an that I can't even count them all."

After arriving in Xi'an, their first stop was the Qin Shi Huang Terracotta Warriors and Horses Museum. As soon as he entered the exhibition hall, Li Xiao was shocked by the spectacular terracotta army formation and was speechless. It took him a long time to recover: "This... This is simply too spectacular. Thousands of terracotta warriors are lifelike, as if they will come to life at any time."

Zhang Yue also exclaimed: "It is hard to imagine what kind of craftsmanship was used in ancient times to create such exquisite pottery figurines. Every expression and every posture is different."

Lin Fei curiously approached the glass display case and carefully observed a terracotta warrior: "Look, the texture of the armor of this terracotta warrior is clearly visible. The skills of the ancients are amazing."

At this time, a tourist nearby said: "It is said that these terracotta warriors are made according to the proportions of real people, and the craftsmen at that time also carved many details on them, even the hair strands are clearly visible."

Li Xiao nodded after hearing this: "How much manpower and material resources must have been spent on this. Qin Shihuang really left an unparalleled treasure for future generations."

After visiting the Terracotta Warriors, the three of them were already hungry, so they headed straight to Muslim Street. As soon as they entered Muslim Street, the aroma of various delicacies hit them.

Lin Fei shouted excitedly: "Wow, this smells so good! I want to try the roujiamo first." Then he rushed to a roujiamo stall.

Li Xiao and Zhang Yue followed behind, watching the stall owner chop the braised meat expertly, put it into the crispy steamed bun, and then pour a spoonful of rich soup on it. Li Xiao took the roujiamo and took a bite: "Well, this steamed bun is crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, and the braised meat is fat but not greasy, and it is very fragrant!"

Zhang Yue was attracted by a Liangpi (cold noodle) shop: "I want some Liangpi, this Liangpi looks very refreshing and delicious."

After a while, the cold noodles were served. Zhang Yue mixed them and took a bite. "The chili oil in this cold noodle is so fragrant, sour and spicy, and it's perfect for summer."

After eating snacks, they came to the ancient city wall of Xi'an. The three of them rented bicycles and rode on the city wall.

Li Xiao said as he rode: "Riding on this ancient city wall feels like traveling through history. Every brick and stone under your feet carries a thousand-year-old story."

Zhang Yue smiled and responded: "Yes, look at the scenery around the city wall. On one side is the prosperity of the modern city, and on the other side is the sedimentation of ancient history. This contrast is really wonderful."

Lin Fei shouted from the side: "Let's have a race to see who can finish a lap first!"

After riding the city wall, night had fallen. They came to a square where a folk show from Xi'an, Huayin Laoqiang, was being performed.

The high-pitched and passionate singing voice made people's eardrums tremble. Li Xiao's blood boiled after hearing it: "This Huayin old tune is so powerful, it makes people feel refreshed just by listening to it."

Zhang Yue also said: "This traditional folk art should really be passed on. It is a treasure of Xi'an culture."

After the performance, they picked up local specialties in the shops near the square. Li Xiao picked up an exquisite shadow play prop and said, "This shadow play is a specialty of Xi'an. I can buy it back and show it to my friends."

Zhang Yue picked out some small ornaments of the Qin Terracotta Warriors and Horses: "These small ornaments are very cute and are great for decoration at home."

Lin Fei bought a few bags of Xi'an's specialty cakes: "These cakes look delicious. I'll take them back for my family to try."

As the day in Xi'an was coming to an end, Li Xiao said with emotion: "Xi'an is really a fascinating city. History and modernity are perfectly integrated here. The food, scenery and folk customs are all intoxicating."

Zhang Yue said: "Yes, but we still have a lot of places to go. We will start a new exploration tomorrow."

Lin Fei is full of anticipation: "Okay, I'm ready for new surprises!" Continue to Chapter 4: Trip to Chengdu

After leaving Xi'an, Li Xiao, Zhang Yue and Lin Fei immediately set off for Chengdu. On the plane, Li Xiao looked at the sea of ​​clouds outside the window and said to his companions: "Chengdu is the 'Land of Abundance'. I heard that the pace of life there is slow and there are so many delicious foods that it's dizzying. I'm sure I can enjoy it this time."

Zhang Yue smiled and replied: "Yes, I really want to go and see the cute giant pandas. Their adorable appearance will surely melt anyone's heart."

Lin Fei rubbed his hands, his face full of anticipation: "I'm looking forward to eating hotpot. Chengdu hotpot is well-known. I'm drooling just thinking about it."

After arriving in Chengdu, they immediately went to the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding. As soon as they entered the base, they were surrounded by lush bamboo forests, as if they were in a green ocean.

Li Xiao took a deep breath and said, "The air here is so fresh. It must be very comfortable for giant pandas to live in such an environment."