Punch: From third-rate anchor to top chef

"Today is really an eye-opener. Where are we going next?" Huang Pengfei asked excitedly.

Li Xiao smiled mysteriously: "Next stop, we will go to Jiuzhaigou to see the colorful lakes."

Li Xiao and Huang Pengfei stood at the entrance of Jiuzhaigou, with a verdant forest and clear streams in front of them, and the air was filled with a fresh scent. The purpose of their trip was to explore Jiuzhaigou's Five Color Pools, Nuorilang Waterfall and Tibetan culture.

"Brother Xiao, why is the water in Jiuzhaigou so blue? It's like a gem." Huang Pengfei exclaimed.

Li Xiao smiled and replied: "That's because the water here is rich in minerals, and it will show different colors under the sunlight."

The two began to walk along the plank road and first came to the famous Five Color Pool. The water in the pool was crystal clear, and algae of various colors floated on the water, making the whole pool look colorful.

"Look at this water, it's like nature's palette." Huang Pengfei exclaimed.

Li Xiao nodded: "Yes, the Five Color Pool is the essence of Jiuzhaigou. The beautiful scenery here is refreshing."

They continued walking and came to the Nuorilang Waterfall, which poured down from a great height, splashing water everywhere and making a deafening roar.

"This waterfall is so spectacular, like a piece of white silk," Huang Pengfei exclaimed.

Li Xiao also felt the same way: "Yes, Nuorilang Waterfall is one of the iconic landscapes of Jiuzhaigou. It is magnificent."

The two stayed in front of the waterfall for a while, and then continued their tour, admiring the primeval forest and rare flora and fauna of Jiuzhaigou.

"Brother Xiao, look at the Tibetan village over there. Let's go over there and take a look." Huang Pengfei suggested.

"Good idea, we can learn about the local Tibetan culture." Li Xiao agreed.

They came to a Tibetan village, visited traditional Tibetan architecture, and tasted Tibetan specialties - butter tea and highland barley wine.

"This butter tea is really fragrant, and the highland barley wine is also very special." Huang Pengfei praised as he tasted the food.

Li Xiao also ate with gusto: "Yes, Tibetan cuisine is as unique and charming as their culture."

After eating and drinking, the two went to watch a Tibetan Guozhuang dance performance. The actors on the stage were dressed in gorgeous Tibetan costumes, dancing vigorously and singing melodiously, making the two feel as if they were in a Tibetan festival celebration.

"This Guozhuang dance is so energetic, and every movement is full of Tibetan enthusiasm," Huang Pengfei said with emotion.

Li Xiao also felt the same way: "Yes, Guozhuang dance is a traditional Tibetan dance. Every time I watch it, it is a cultural experience."

After the performance, the two bought some Tibetan souvenirs at a souvenir shop in Jiuzhaigou, preparing to take them home as a souvenir of their trip.

As night fell, Li Xiao and Huang Pengfei ended their one-day tour in Jiuzhaigou. They were ready to go to the next destination with full of memories and gains.

"We have gained a lot today. Where are we going next?" Huang Pengfei asked excitedly.

Li Xiao smiled mysteriously: "Next stop, we will go to Zhangjiajie to see the strange stone pillars."

Li Xiao and Huang Pengfei stood at the entrance of Zhangjiajie National Forest Park, and before them was a spectacular sight of strange peaks and rocks. The purpose of their trip was to explore Tianzi Mountain, Huangshi Village and Jinbian Stream.

"Brother Xiao, why are the mountains in Zhangjiajie so unique? Each one looks like an independent sculpture." Huang Pengfei exclaimed.

Li Xiao smiled and replied: "This is because the landform here is a sandstone peak forest. After a long period of weathering and erosion, this unique landscape has been formed."

The two began to climb along the mountain road and first came to Tianzi Mountain. Standing on the top of the mountain, the surrounding peaks were like stone pillars, reaching straight into the sky.

"Look at those mountains, they are like masterpieces of nature." Huang Pengfei exclaimed.

Li Xiao nodded: "Yes, Tianzi Mountain is the core scenic spot of Zhangjiajie. The beautiful scenery here is breathtaking."

They continued walking and came to Huangshi Village, where the view was even wider and one could overlook the entire peak forest of Zhangjiajie.

"The scenery of Huangshizhai is so spectacular, like a three-dimensional landscape painting," Huang Pengfei exclaimed.

Li Xiao also felt the same way: "Yes, Huangshizhai is the viewing platform of Zhangjiajie. Standing here, you can feel the wonders of nature."

The two stayed at Huangshizhai for a while, and then continued their tour, admiring the clear stream of Jinbian Creek and the surrounding pristine forests.

"Brother Xiao, look at the Golden Whip Creek over there. Let's go over there and take a look." Huang Pengfei suggested.

"Good idea. The water in Golden Whip Creek is very clear, which is another major feature of Zhangjiajie." Li Xiao agreed.

They came to Jinbian Creek, where the water was crystal clear and the trees along the creek were lush and green, giving people a feeling of tranquility.

"The stream water is so clear that it feels like it can be drunk directly," Huang Pengfei exclaimed.

Li Xiao also felt very relaxed: "Yes, the water in Jinbian Creek is very pure. It is the natural water source of Zhangjiajie."

After visiting Jinbianxi, the two decided to taste the authentic food of Zhangjiajie - Tujia Sanxiaguo.

"This Tujia three-pot dish is really delicious, and the ingredients are matched just right." Huang Pengfei praised while eating.

Li Xiao also ate with gusto: "Yes, Tujia Sanxiaguo is a specialty of Zhangjiajie. Every bite is a treat for the taste buds."

After eating and drinking, the two went to watch a Tujia hand-waving dance performance. The actors on the stage were dressed in traditional Tujia costumes, dancing vigorously and singing melodiously, making the two feel as if they were in a Tujia festival.

"This hand-waving dance is so energetic, and every movement is full of Tujia people's enthusiasm," Huang Pengfei said with emotion.

Li Xiao also felt the same way: "Yes, the waving hand dance is a traditional dance of the Tujia people. Every time I watch it, it is a cultural experience."

After the performance, the two bought some Tujia-style souvenirs at a souvenir shop in Zhangjiajie, preparing to take them home as a souvenir of their trip.

As night fell, Li Xiao and Huang Pengfei ended their one-day tour in Zhangjiajie. They were ready to go to the next destination with full of memories and gains.

"Today is really an eye-opener. Where are we going next?" Huang Pengfei asked excitedly.

Li Xiao smiled mysteriously: "Next stop, we will go to Lijiang Ancient Town to experience the romance and history there."

Li Xiao and Huang Pengfei strolled along the stone pavement of Lijiang Old Town, surrounded by antique buildings and gurgling water, with a leisurely and romantic atmosphere in the air. The purpose of their trip was to experience the historical charm of Lijiang Old Town and the Naxi culture.

"Brother Xiao, the architecture of Lijiang Ancient Town is so unique. Every brick and tile is full of history." Huang Pengfei exclaimed.

Li Xiao smiled and replied, "Yes, Lijiang Ancient Town is one of the famous historical and cultural cities in China. The architecture and culture here are very well preserved." The two began to tour the ancient town and first came to Sifang Street. This is the center of the ancient town, surrounded by many ancient shops and inns.

"Look at those shops. They all sell local handicrafts, which are very unique," said Huang Pengfei, pointing to the shops one by one.

Li Xiao nodded: "Yes, Sifang Street is the commercial center of Lijiang Ancient Town and also a place for cultural exchange."

They continued walking and came to the famous Mu Mansion, which is the residence of the chieftain of the Naxi ethnic group. It has exquisite architecture and is full of ethnic characteristics.

"The architectural style of this wooden palace is so unique, and every carving is so delicate," Huang Pengfei exclaimed.

Li Xiao also felt the same way: "Yes, the Mu Mansion is a landmark building in Lijiang Ancient Town. Its beauty lies in its exquisiteness and history."

The two stayed at the Mu Mansion for a while, and then continued their tour, admiring the Black Dragon Pond and Lion Rock in the ancient city.

"Brother Xiao, look at the Black Dragon Pond over there. The water is so clear, and it reflects the surrounding buildings. It's so beautiful." Huang Pengfei exclaimed.

Li Xiao also felt very relaxed: "Yes, Black Dragon Pool is the pearl of Lijiang Ancient Town. Its tranquility and beauty make people feel relaxed and happy."

After visiting Heilongtan, the two decided to taste Lijiang’s authentic food - Naxi grilled fish.

"This Naxi grilled fish is really delicious, the fish meat is tender and the aroma is fragrant." Huang Pengfei exclaimed while eating.

Li Xiao also ate with gusto: "Yes, Naxi grilled fish is a specialty of Lijiang. Every bite is a treat for the taste buds."

After eating and drinking, the two went to watch a Naxi Dongba dance performance. The actors on the stage were dressed in traditional Naxi costumes, dancing vigorously and singing melodiously, making the two feel as if they were in a Naxi festival.

"This Dongba dance is so charming. Every movement is full of Naxi style." Huang Pengfei said with emotion.

Li Xiao also felt the same way: "Yes, Dongba dance is the traditional dance of the Naxi people. Every time I watch it, it is a cultural experience."

After the performance, the two bought some Naxi souvenirs at a souvenir shop in Lijiang Ancient Town, preparing to take them home as a souvenir of their trip.

As night fell, Li Xiao and Huang Pengfei ended their one-day tour in Lijiang Ancient Town. They were ready to go to the next destination with full of memories and gains.

"We have gained a lot today. Where are we going next?" Huang Pengfei asked excitedly.

Li Xiao smiled mysteriously: "Next stop, we will go to Dunhuang to see the mysterious Mogao Grottoes."

Li Xiao and Huang Pengfei stood at the entrance of the Mogao Grottoes in Dunhuang, with a desolate Gobi Desert in front of them and mysterious caves with thousands of years of murals and sculptures behind them. The purpose of their trip was to explore the artistic treasures of the Mogao Grottoes and the history of the Silk Road.

"Brother Xiao, how many murals and Buddha statues are hidden in the Mogao Grottoes?" Huang Pengfei asked curiously.

Li Xiao smiled and replied: "There are thousands of caves in Mogao Grottoes, each with its own unique murals and sculptures. It is one of the world's cultural heritages."

The two began to visit the Mogao Grottoes under the guidance of a tour guide, and first came to the famous Cave 249. The murals here are colorful and vivid, showing the superb skills of ancient artists.

"Look at these murals, they are so realistic, as if they were alive," Huang Pengfei exclaimed.

Li Xiao nodded: "Yes, these murals are not only of high artistic value, but also record the social life and religious beliefs of the time."

They continued walking and visited the story of the Nine-Colored Deer in Cave 257 and the giant statue of Maitreya Buddha in Cave 16.

"The story of the Nine-Colored Deer is so touching. It represents kindness and sacrifice," Huang Pengfei exclaimed.

Li Xiao also felt the same way: "Yes, these murals and sculptures are carriers of ancient culture, allowing us to get a glimpse into the life of that era."

The two were reluctant to leave the Mogao Grottoes, and each place gave them a deeper understanding of ancient civilization.

"Brother Xiao, look at the Crescent Lake over there. Let's go over there and take a look." Huang Pengfei suggested.

"Good idea. Crescent Lake is a natural wonder of Dunhuang and complements the Mogao Grottoes." Li Xiao agreed.

They came to Crescent Spring, whose water was clear and shaped like a crescent moon, surrounded by towering sand hills.

"This Crescent Lake is so magical. There is such an oasis in the desert." Huang Pengfei exclaimed.

Li Xiao was also very surprised: "Yes, Crescent Lake is a miracle of nature and a landmark of Dunhuang."

After visiting Crescent Lake, the two decided to taste the authentic Dunhuang food - donkey meat yellow noodles.

"This donkey meat yellow noodles is really delicious. The noodles are chewy and the donkey meat is tender." Huang Pengfei exclaimed as he ate.

Li Xiao also ate with gusto: "Yes, donkey meat yellow noodles are a specialty of Dunhuang. Every bite is a treat for the taste buds."

After eating and drinking, the two went to see a Dunhuang flying dance performance. The actors on the stage were dressed in flowing dance costumes and danced lightly, as if they were really flying, making the two feel like they had traveled back to that ancient era.

"This flying dance is so beautiful. Every movement is full of the mysterious color of Dunhuang." Huang Pengfei said with emotion.

Li Xiao also felt the same way: "Yes, Feitian Dance is a traditional dance of Dunhuang. Every time I watch it, it is a cultural experience."

After the performance, the two bought some Dunhuang-themed souvenirs at a souvenir shop in Dunhuang, preparing to take them home as a souvenir of their trip.

As night fell, Li Xiao and Huang Pengfei ended their one-day tour in Dunhuang. With full of memories and gains, they prepared to go to the next destination.

"Today is really an eye-opener. Where are we going next?" Huang Pengfei asked excitedly.

Li Xiao smiled mysteriously: "Next stop, we will go to Guilin to see the world's best mountains and rivers."

Li Xiao and Huang Pengfei drifted slowly on the Li River on a bamboo raft. The rolling karst peaks on both sides of the river were reflected in the clear water, forming a moving landscape painting. The purpose of their trip was to appreciate the natural beauty of Guilin's landscape and explore the local ethnic culture.

"Brother Xiao, the landscape of Guilin is so beautiful, it looks like it came out of a painting." Huang Pengfei exclaimed.

Li Xiao smiled and replied: "Yes, Guilin's landscape is the best in the world, and the natural scenery here is unique."

The two of them enjoyed the scenery along the way on the bamboo raft, and first came to the famous Elephant Trunk Hill. This mountain is shaped like a giant elephant stretching its trunk to suck water, and is the iconic landscape of Guilin.

"Look at that Elephant Trunk Hill, it's so amazing, the wonders of nature are truly amazing." Huang Pengfei exclaimed. (End of this chapter)