Punch: From third-rate anchor to top chef

Chapter 1516 1531.
Li Xiao and Huang Pengfei stood in the airport's departure hall, both with expectant smiles on their faces. Li Xiao, a young man who loves traveling and exploring, decided to take his good friend Huang Pengfei on an unknown journey this time.

"Pengfei, are you ready?" Li Xiao patted Huang Pengfei on the shoulder, his eyes flashing with excitement.

Huang Pengfei responded with a smile: "Brother Xiao, I've been ready for a long time. I've been looking forward to this trip for a long time."

The two's destination is China's capital, Beijing. They plan to start from here and visit various cities in China to experience different customs and cultures.

The plane slowly landed at Beijing Capital International Airport, and the two walked out of the cabin, breathing the unique air of Beijing. Their first attraction was the Forbidden City, an ancient imperial palace that witnessed hundreds of years of historical changes in China.

Walking into the Forbidden City, Li Xiao and Huang Pengfei were shocked by the magnificent architecture in front of them. They strolled along the ancient stone road and admired the exquisite carvings and paintings.

"Brother Xiao, look at this dragon throne, it's so majestic!" Huang Pengfei pointed at the dragon throne in the Hall of Supreme Harmony and exclaimed in admiration.

Li Xiao smiled and nodded: "Yes, this is the emperor's throne, representing supreme power."

They toured the Forbidden City for a long time, and left reluctantly only when the sun set. Afterwards, they came to Wangfujing Snack Street to taste BJ's specialties.

"Pengfei, try this Beijing roast duck, it tastes absolutely authentic." Li Xiao handed Huang Pengfei a piece of roast duck.

Huang Pengfei took a bite and his mouth was full of fragrance: "Wow, this roast duck has crispy skin and tender meat, it's so delicious!"

The two ate and talked, enjoying the pleasure brought by the food. When night fell, they watched a wonderful Peking Opera performance and felt the charm of traditional Chinese art.

"Brother Xiao, today's itinerary is so rich, with the Forbidden City, delicious food, and Peking Opera. I am a little reluctant to leave." Huang Pengfei said with emotion.

Li Xiao patted his shoulder and said, "Don't worry, this is just the beginning. We will have more places to go and more cultures to experience."

The two boarded the train to the next city in the night, their hearts full of longing for the unknown journey.

The morning sun shines through the curtains and onto the faces of Li Xiao and Huang Pengfei. They have arrived in Suzhou, a water town in the south of the Yangtze River. It is famous for its small bridges, flowing water and garden architecture.

"Brother Xiao, look at the scenery of this water town, it's as beautiful as a painting." Huang Pengfei stood in front of the window, looking at the scenery outside the window and exclaimed.

Li Xiao sorted his backpack and responded with a smile: "Yes, the beauty of Suzhou lies in its gentleness and tranquility. Today we are going to the Humble Administrator's Garden, which is one of the four famous gardens in China."

The two took a small boat and slowly moved along the canal, admiring the ancient buildings and green trees on both sides of the river. Soon, they arrived at the gate of the Humble Administrator's Garden.

In the Humble Administrator's Garden, there are towering ancient trees, rockery and flowing water, and pavilions and towers scattered in an orderly manner. Li Xiao and Huang Pengfei strolled among them, feeling the exquisiteness and harmony of the garden.

"The design here is so ingenious. Every detail looks like a carefully crafted work of art." Huang Pengfei couldn't help but sigh.

Li Xiao nodded in agreement: "Yes, garden art is an important part of Chinese traditional culture. Every brick and tile contains the wisdom and aesthetics of the ancients."

After visiting the Humble Administrator's Garden, the two came to Suzhou's famous Guanqian Street, where a variety of snacks and specialties are gathered and it is very lively.

"Pengfei, try this squirrel fish, it's a specialty of Suzhou." Li Xiao recommended.

Huang Pengfei took a bite and his eyes lit up: "The fish is crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, sweet and sour, it's so delicious!"

After tasting the delicious food, the two watched a Suzhou Pingtan performance. They were intoxicated by the melodious piano music and graceful singing.

"Brother Xiao, this Pingtan is so charming. It feels like I've been brought into another world." Huang Pengfei was immersed in the music and didn't want to leave.

Li Xiao smiled and said: "This is the charm of traveling. Every place has its own unique culture and customs. Tomorrow, we will go to Hangzhou, where the beautiful West Lake is waiting for us."

As night fell, the two strolled along the streets of Suzhou, enjoying the tranquility and beauty of the Jiangnan water town. They were looking forward to the next stop of the journey, their hearts full of anticipation and excitement.
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In the early morning of Hangzhou, the air was filled with the faint fragrance of osmanthus. Li Xiao and Huang Pengfei came to the West Lake early to welcome the new day.

"Brother Xiao, is this the legendary West Lake?" Huang Pengfei couldn't help but sigh as he stood by the lake, looking at the lotus flowers swaying gently on the water.

Li Xiao smiled and nodded: "Yes, this is West Lake, it is famous for ten scenic spots such as 'Su Causeway Spring Dawn' and 'Broken Bridge with Snow'."

The two of them strolled along the Su Causeway, admiring the scenery of the lake and mountains, and feeling the tranquility and beauty of the West Lake. The sun shone through the treetops and sprinkled on them, warm and comfortable.

"The scenery here is so beautiful, it makes people feel relaxed and happy." Huang Pengfei said as he walked.

Li Xiao pointed to the Leifeng Pagoda in the distance and said, "Look, that's the Leifeng Pagoda, where the White Snake was trapped in the legend."

Huang Pengfei asked curiously: "Brother Xiao, what is the story of White Snake?"

Li Xiao began to tell the legendary love story of White Snake and Xu Xian, and Huang Pengfei listened with great interest.

After visiting the beautiful scenery of West Lake, they came to a teahouse beside the lake to taste Longjing tea from Hangzhou.

"Pengfei, come and try this Longjing tea, it's a specialty of Hangzhou." Li Xiao poured a cup of tea for Huang Pengfei.

Huang Pengfei took a sip and praised: "This tea has a fresh aroma and sweet taste. It really lives up to its reputation."

The two chatted in the teahouse and enjoyed a leisurely afternoon. Afterwards, they went to taste another special delicacy in Hangzhou - West Lake Vinegar Fish.

"This vinegar fish has just the right amount of sweet and sour, and the fish meat is fresh and tender. It's so delicious." Huang Pengfei praised while eating.

Li Xiao smiled and said: "Hangzhou's food and beautiful scenery are both unforgettable. Tomorrow, we will go to the next city, Xi'an, where the ancient Terracotta Warriors are waiting for us to explore."

As night fell, the two walked along the West Lake, enjoying the breeze and moonlight. They were full of anticipation for their upcoming trip to Xi'an.

The train that Li Xiao and Huang Pengfei were riding on slowly pulled into Xi'an Station, and their faces were filled with excitement. Xi'an, the ancient capital, is famous for its long history and rich cultural heritage.

"Brother Xiao, I heard that the Terracotta Warriors in Xi'an is one of the eight wonders of the world. Is that true?" Huang Pengfei asked curiously.

Li Xiao nodded: "Yes, the Terracotta Warriors and Horses of Qin Shihuang are a treasure of ancient Chinese sculpture art, very spectacular. Our first stop today is there."

The two took a bus to the Terracotta Warriors and Horses Museum of the Qin Shihuang Mausoleum. Along the way, they enjoyed the field scenery along the way and were in a good mood. When they arrived at the museum, Li Xiao and Huang Pengfei were shocked by the scene in front of them. Thousands of terracotta warriors were neatly arranged in various shapes and lifelike.

"These terracotta warriors are so spectacular. Each one has a different face and expression," Huang Pengfei exclaimed.

Li Xiao explained: "It is said that each terracotta warrior is made according to a real person, and no two are exactly the same. This shows the superb skills of the ancient craftsmen."

They carefully visited each exhibition hall and were in awe of the exquisite craftsmanship of ancient civilization. After the visit, the two decided to taste Xi'an's special snack - Roujiamo.

"Brother Xiao, how does this roujiamo taste?" Huang Pengfei asked after taking a bite of the hot roujiamo.

Li Xiao smiled and replied: "Roujiamo is a traditional snack in Xi'an. The skin is crispy and the meat inside is stewed very well. It tastes very delicious."

The two walked and ate in the snack street, enjoying all kinds of food. When night fell, they watched a wonderful shadow play and felt the ancient Chinese folk art.

"Brother Xiao, this shadow play is so magical. It can tell such a vivid story using only shadows." Huang Pengfei exclaimed in amazement.

Li Xiao nodded in agreement: "Yes, shadow play is part of China's intangible cultural heritage, with a long history and rich characteristics. Tomorrow, we will go to Chengdu, Sichuan, where there are lovely giant pandas waiting for us."

The two strolled along the streets of Xi'an, immersed in the historical atmosphere of this ancient capital. They were full of anticipation for their upcoming trip to Chengdu.

As the morning sun shines through the curtains, Li Xiao and Huang Pengfei have arrived in Chengdu, a city known for its laid-back lifestyle and adorable giant pandas.

"Brother Xiao, are we going to the giant panda base to see the pandas today?" Huang Pengfei asked excitedly.

Li Xiao nodded and smiled: "Yes, Chengdu Giant Panda Base is the best place to see giant pandas. They are cute and adorable."

The two took a bus to the giant panda base, enjoying the city scenery of Chengdu along the way. After arriving at the base, they were deeply attracted by the scene in front of them.

"Wow, look at those giant pandas, they are so cute when they eat bamboo!" Huang Pengfei pointed at the pandas not far away and couldn't help laughing.

Li Xiao couldn't help laughing and said, "Yes, giant pandas are national treasures. Their movements and expressions are very interesting."

They watched the daily life of giant pandas, including eating, playing and resting. These cute giant pandas made the two of them very happy.

"Brother Xiao, I think we should bring some panda souvenirs back as a commemoration of this trip." Huang Pengfei suggested.

Li Xiao agreed: "Good idea, let's go to the Panda Store to see if there are any special souvenirs."

In the panda store, the two picked out some cute panda dolls and souvenirs. Huang Pengfei also picked out some gifts for his family and friends.

"These panda dolls are so cute, my sister will definitely like them." Huang Pengfei held a panda doll in his hand, his face full of joy.

Li Xiao smiled and said, "Yes, these souvenirs are very memorable and can help us remember this trip forever."

After visiting the giant panda base, the two went to taste another special delicacy of Chengdu - spicy hot pot.

"Brother Xiao, this hotpot is so spicy, but it's very satisfying!" Huang Pengfei wiped his sweat while eating.

Li Xiao smiled and replied: "Chengdu hotpot is famous for its spicy taste, which is one of the food cultures here. Tomorrow, we will go to Lijiang, Yunnan, where there are beautiful ancient cities and snow-capped mountains waiting for us."

As night fell, the two strolled along the streets of Chengdu, enjoying the city's leisurely atmosphere. They were full of anticipation for their upcoming trip to Lijiang.

Li Xiao and Huang Pengfei arrived by plane in Lijiang, Yunnan, which is famous for its beautiful ancient city and spectacular snow-capped mountains.

"Brother Xiao, look at this Lijiang Ancient Town, it really has a unique flavor." Huang Pengfei stood at the entrance of the ancient town, looking at those quaint buildings, and was amazed.

Li Xiao nodded and responded: "Yes, Lijiang Ancient Town is one of the famous historical and cultural cities in China. The architectural style and culture here are very unique."

The two strolled along the stone pavement of the ancient city, shuttled through the alleys, and felt the historical atmosphere of the ancient city. They visited famous attractions such as the Mu Mansion and Sifang Street, and were deeply attracted by the history and culture here.

"The buildings here are so unique, and every one of them is full of stories," Huang Pengfei said with emotion.

Li Xiao added: "Not only that, Lijiang also has many handicrafts and ethnic costumes, which are very unique."

In the ancient city, the two also tasted local special snacks, such as chicken bean jelly, Naxi grilled fish, etc. They were full of praise for every dish.

"Brother Xiao, this chicken bean jelly is really refreshing and different from what we have eaten before." Huang Pengfei said while eating.

Li Xiao smiled and replied: "Lijiang's food is also a major feature here. Each food has its own unique flavor."

As night fell, the two attended a bonfire party of the Naxi people. They danced and sang with the local residents and experienced the enthusiasm and hospitality of the Naxi people.

"The bonfire parties here are so much fun. I feel like I have completely integrated into the life here," Huang Pengfei said excitedly.

Li Xiao nodded in agreement: "Yes, traveling is about experiencing different cultures and lives. Tomorrow, we will go to Yulong Snow Mountain, where the natural scenery will surely take your breath away."

The two strolled along the streets of Lijiang, enjoying the tranquility and beauty of the ancient city, and were full of anticipation for the upcoming trip to Jade Dragon Snow Mountain.

As the first rays of sunlight in the morning shone on the rooftops of Lijiang Ancient Town, Li Xiao and Huang Pengfei were ready to head to Jade Dragon Snow Mountain, which is famous for its magnificent scenery and unique geographical location.

"Brother Xiao, Jade Dragon Snow Mountain looks really high. Can we climb to the top?" Huang Pengfei asked nervously, looking at the snow-capped mountains in the distance.

Li Xiao smiled and comforted him: "Don't worry, we don't need to climb to the top of the mountain, but we can take the cable car to the halfway point of the mountain. The scenery there is already very spectacular."

The two took the cable car and slowly ascended. As the altitude increased, their vision became wider and wider. When they reached the middle of the mountain, they were deeply shocked by the scenery in front of them.

"The scenery here is so beautiful, like a paradise on earth," Huang Pengfei exclaimed.