Punch: From third-rate anchor to top chef

Li Xiao and Man Yue 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 Creek.

"Brother Xiao, why are the mountains in Zhangjiajie so peculiar? Each one looks like an independent sculpture." Man Yue exclaimed in amazement, her eyes attracted by those sword-like and halberd-like peaks.

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 Huangshi Village is so spectacular, like a three-dimensional landscape painting." Man Yue 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." Man Yue 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.

"This stream water is so clear that it feels like it can be drunk directly." Man Yue 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." Man Yue 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 enthusiasm." Man Yue 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 Man Yue ended their one-day tour in Zhangjiajie. 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?" Man Yue 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 Man Yue 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." Man Yue 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 city and first came to Sifang Street, which is the center of the ancient city and is surrounded by many ancient shops and inns.

"Look at those shops. They all sell local handicrafts, which are very unique." Man Yue said, pointing at 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." Man Yue 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, reflecting the surrounding buildings. It's so beautiful." Man Yue 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 so delicious, the fish meat is tender and the aroma is fragrant." Man Yue 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." Man Yue 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 Man Yue 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've gained a lot today. Where are we going next?" Man Yue asked excitedly.

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

Li Xiao and Man Yue 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?" Man Yue 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 lifelike, as if they were alive." Man Yue 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," Man Yue 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." Man Yue 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." Man Yue 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 noodle is really delicious. The noodles are chewy and the donkey meat is tender." Man Yue exclaimed while eating.

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." Man Yue exclaimed.

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 Man Yue 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?" Man Yue 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 Man Yue took a bamboo raft and drifted slowly on the Li River. The undulating 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." Man Yue 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 were enjoying 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. It is the most famous mountain in Guilin.

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One of the iconic landscapes.

"Brother Xiao, look at the Elephant Trunk Hill, why does it look so much like a real elephant drinking water?" Man Yue asked curiously.

Li Xiao smiled and explained: "This is the work of nature. After a long period of weathering and water erosion, it has formed such a lifelike shape."

They continued drifting on the river, enjoying the beautiful scenery along the way. From time to time, local fishermen rowed bamboo rafts and sang folk songs, adding a vivid color to the tranquil mountains and waters.

"Brother Xiao, look at those fishermen. Their lives seem so leisurely." Man Yue said enviously.

Li Xiao nodded: "Yes, the lifestyle here is in harmony with nature, giving people a sense of tranquility and satisfaction."

As the bamboo raft slowly moved forward, they came to a shallow beach in the Li River and decided to get off the boat for a walk. The water here was so clear that you could clearly see the pebbles and small fish swimming on the bottom of the water.

"Brother Xiao, let's play in the water!" Man Yue excitedly took off her shoes and stepped into the cool water.

Li Xiao also joined her, and the two played in the water, enjoying the coolness and happiness.

"This water is so refreshing. It makes me feel refreshed." Man Yue said with a smile.

Li Xiao also felt very relaxed: "Yes, the natural environment here is really great."

They played on the shallows for a long time, until the sun set, then they reluctantly returned to the bamboo raft to continue their journey.

"Brother Xiao, look at the sunset reflected on the river. It's so beautiful." Man Yue said, pointing at the waves on the river.

Li Xiao nodded: "Yes, Guilin's landscape will show different beauty under different light."

They admired the sunset on the river for a while, and only returned to the shore when it was completely dark.

"Brother Xiao, let's go try Guilin's rice noodles today. I heard they're delicious." Man Yue suggested.

"Good idea. Guilin rice noodles are a local specialty here, so of course we have to try it." Li Xiao agreed.

They sat down at a small restaurant on the shore and ordered two servings of Guilin rice noodles. The rice noodles were smooth and the soup was delicious, which made them praise it highly.

"This rice noodles is so delicious. I want another bowl." Man Yue said while eating.

Li Xiao also ate with gusto: "Yes, Guilin's food is as unforgettable as the mountains and rivers here."

After eating and drinking, they took a walk along the river and admired the night view of Guilin. The lights along the river and the starry sky complemented each other, forming a beautiful picture.

"Brother Xiao, look at this night view, it's so beautiful. I feel like I'm in a dream." Man Yue leaned on the railing, her eyes flashing with a dreamy light.

Li Xiao gently held her hand: "Yes, the night view of Guilin is like a beautiful dream. I hope we can all remember this moment."

They ended the day's journey in the night of Guilin, their hearts filled with nostalgia for the beautiful scenery and anticipation for the next stop.

"Brother Xiao, where are we going next?" Man Yue asked expectantly.

Li Xiao smiled mysteriously: "Next stop, we will go to a place full of mystery, where there is one of the oldest cultures in the world." (End of this chapter)