Punch: From third-rate anchor to top chef

Chapter 1648

While eating, he asked the waiter about the production process of roast duck. The waiter patiently explained: "The production of roast duck is very particular. First of all, the ingredients must be excellent. The duck must be of moderate size and evenly fat and lean. When roasting, fruit wood is used as fuel, so that it has a unique aroma. And in the roasting process, the control of the heat is also very important. The duck skin must be roasted crispy, and the duck meat must remain tender and juicy."

The three of them ate and talked, laughing and talking. While tasting the food, they also felt the unique food culture of BJ.

After eating and drinking, they came to a theater to watch a Peking Opera performance. Peking Opera, as the quintessence of China, has a profound historical background and unique artistic charm. Walking into the theater, the antique decoration makes people feel as if they are in the traditional opera world.

The performance began, with actors wearing gorgeous costumes and appearing on stage. Their singing was melodious, sometimes high-pitched and passionate, sometimes low and gentle, as if telling touching stories; their postures were graceful, and every move showed their skills, and their fluttering sleeves conveyed delicate emotions.

Although it was Li Xiao's first time to watch Peking Opera live, he was quickly attracted. He whispered to his companions: "This Peking Opera is so charming. I have only seen it on TV before. It feels completely different to watch it live. The performances of the actors are so wonderful." Lin Yifei also stared at the stage intently and responded: "Yes, Peking Opera is worthy of being the quintessence of China. The singing and movements have been refined through thousands of trials. We have come to the right place today to enjoy such an authentic performance."

While watching the performance, they also learned some basic knowledge about Peking Opera, such as the different roles (sheng, dan, jing, chou), the meaning of facial makeup, etc. Zhang Yuedong said with emotion: "Peking Opera is really a broad and profound art, and every detail contains cultural connotations. Our trip not only allows us to enjoy the beautiful scenery and taste delicious food, but also allows us to learn so much about traditional culture. It is a great harvest."

After the performance, the three were still not satisfied. They strolled along the streets of Beijing, feeling the night breeze. When they passed by a handicraft store, they were attracted by the dazzling array of special handicrafts in the store.

Walking into the store, various souvenirs with elements of the Forbidden City come into view, including exquisite Forbidden City seal commemorative albums, small and exquisite Forbidden City architectural ornaments, colorful Peking Opera mask pendants, etc. Li Xiao took a fancy to a folding fan printed with a panoramic view of the Forbidden City. The pattern on the fan is delicate and exquisite, and he couldn't put it down: "This folding fan is good, it has both commemorative significance and is practical. It's also good to take it back as a gift."

Zhang Yuedong has a special liking for a Peking Opera mask ornament. He picked it up and looked at it carefully: "This mask is so delicately made. Each color represents a different character's personality, showing the characteristics of Peking Opera vividly. If you buy it and put it at home, you can feel the charm of Peking Opera at any time."

Lin Yifei picked up a few books introducing the history and culture of BJ. He smiled and said, "This trip to BJ has made me curious about this city. I will buy some books and study them carefully. This trip is worthwhile."

The three of them each picked out their favorite souvenirs and returned home with a full load. The first day of the BJ trip ended in fulfillment and satisfaction. They returned to the hotel, with a good impression of the city, and fell into a sweet dream, looking forward to tomorrow's wonderful journey.

Bidding farewell to BJ, Li Xiao, Zhang Yuedong and Lin Yifei took the high-speed rail and arrived in the charming city of Tianjin in just half an hour. Tianjin, also known as Jingu and Jinmen, is like a bright pearl inlaid on the coast of Bohai Sea. It has the boldness and grandeur of northern cities, and contains unique foreign style and exquisiteness, which makes people yearn for it.

After they put their luggage in the hotel, they went to the Wudadao Cultural Tourism Zone without stopping. Wudadao, an area with many buildings of different styles, is known as the "World Architecture Expo". There are more than 2000 garden houses of different styles from Britain, France, Italy, Germany, Spain and other countries, more than 300 style buildings and former residences of celebrities. Every street and every building seems to be telling stories of the past.

Walking along the Fifth Avenue, Li Xiao couldn't help but sigh: "This is simply a treasure trove of architectural art. It feels like a new scene with every step, and the charm of history is everywhere." Zhang Yuedong held a camera and kept pressing the shutter to capture every wonderful moment. He responded: "Yes, these buildings of different styles gathered together are so shocking! I have to take more photos and enjoy them slowly when I go back."

They walked along Dali Road, with trees lining both sides of the road, and small buildings of different styles hidden among them. Some buildings are typical British manor style, with red brick walls and pointed attics, showing elegance and solemnity; others are full of Italian romantic style, with arched doors and windows and carved balconies, exuding a charming artistic atmosphere.

Passing by the Prince Qing's Mansion, this mansion that combines Chinese and Western architectural styles is particularly eye-catching. Lin Yifei curiously asked the tour guide: "Does this Prince Qing's Mansion have any special historical background?" The tour guide patiently explained: "The Prince Qing's Mansion was originally the palace of Prince Qing Zaizhen of the Qing Dynasty. It consists of a two-story quadrangle with Western-style eaves and Chinese-style patios and decorations. There is also an ancestral hall on the top floor. The Chinese-style garden in the east of the courtyard, with rockery, stone caves and hexagonal pavilions complement each other, showing a unique combination of Chinese and Western beauty. In the past, this was an important place in the social circle of the Tianjin Concession and witnessed many historical events."

After visiting the Qing Palace, the three came to Minyuan Square. This was the birthplace of Tianjin football and carries the sports sentiments of countless Tianjin people. In the square, many citizens were having fun, children were running and laughing, and the elderly were basking in the sun leisurely, a peaceful scene. Li Xiao suggested: "Let's sit here for a while and feel the atmosphere of Tianjin people's life." So the three found a bench to sit down, looking at the lively scene in front of them, their hearts were full of comfort.

After walking around the Fifth Avenue, it was almost noon and their stomachs began to growl. Hearing that Tianjin's Goubuli steamed buns were famous, the three decided to go and taste this Tianjin specialty. They came to a time-honored Goubuli steamed bun shop, which was decorated in a simple and elegant style and filled with the aroma of steamed buns.

As soon as we sat down, the waiter enthusiastically brought a basket of freshly cooked Goubuli buns. The buns were as white as snow, with even and beautiful folds, just like blooming white chrysanthemums. Zhang Yuedong couldn't wait to pick up a bun, put it in his mouth and took a bite. Suddenly, the delicious soup overflowed, the meat filling was loose, fat but not greasy, and the taste was mellow. He couldn't help but give a thumbs up: "This Goubuli bun is really as good as its reputation, it's so delicious! The bun skin is soft and chewy, and the stuffing is so fresh and fragrant. One bite makes you feel full of happiness." Li Xiao also tasted it. While eating, he asked the waiter about the making process of the buns: "How can this bun be made so delicious? Is there any secret?" The waiter smiled and introduced: "Our Goubuli buns are made with very particular ingredients. The pork must be 30% fat and 70% lean. After careful chopping and seasoning, it is made using the unique 'eight-step operation method'. From mixing the stuffing, kneading the dough to steaming, every step is strictly controlled to ensure the taste and quality of the buns."

Lin Yifei ate the buns and nodded in praise: "Tianjin people are so lucky to eat such delicious buns every day. This trip is really worthwhile. I can enjoy the beautiful scenery and taste delicious food. It's so enjoyable."

After eating and drinking, they continued to explore the charm of Tianjin. In the afternoon, they came to the banks of the Haihe River, the mother river of Tianjin. The Haihe River is like a winding jade belt, passing through the city and nourishing the city. The riverside scenery is beautiful, with cruise ships shuttling on the river, high-rise buildings on both sides, and modern buildings and historic bridges complementing each other, forming a beautiful picture.

Walking along the Haihe River, they admired the scenery along the way. Zhang Yuedong pointed to a bridge in the distance and said, "Look, that's the Tianjin Eye. Let's go there to sit at night. It must be spectacular to overlook the night view of Tianjin from a high place." Li Xiao and Lin Yifei looked in the direction he pointed and saw a huge Ferris wheel standing above the Haihe River, which was particularly eye-catching under the sunlight.

Before they knew it, night fell and the lights came on. The night in Tianjin was decorated with lights and was particularly charming. They came to the Tianjin Eye, the only Ferris wheel built on a bridge in the world, which has long become a landmark building in Tianjin. The Ferris wheel is equipped with 48 transparent cabins. As the Ferris wheel slowly rises, the dazzling night view of TJ city can be seen. In the distance, the high-rise buildings are brightly lit, and the neon lights on both sides of the Haihe River are flickering and intertwined, like stars falling to the earth; in the near distance, the cruise ship is slowly sailing on the river, creating sparkling waves.

Li Xiao said excitedly: "The night view is so beautiful! I feel like I am in a dream. Tianjin is really more beautiful as the night goes on." Lin Yifei was also shocked by the beautiful scenery in front of him: "Yes, looking at Tianjin from this angle is completely different. This city has both historical accumulation and modern vitality, which is fascinating."

After taking the Tianjin Eye, they came to the nearby Italian-style area. There are a lot of original century-old European-style buildings preserved here. Walking through them, it feels like traveling to a European town. Bars, restaurants, and cafes line the streets, and the melodious music and people's laughter are intertwined, full of rich exotic atmosphere.

They sat down to rest in an open-air cafe, ordered a few cups of coffee, and enjoyed the street scenery while tasting the mellow coffee. At this time, bursts of cheerful clappers and melodious singing came from not far away. It turned out that street performers were performing Tianjin's traditional folk art.

The three were attracted by the unique artistic atmosphere and walked closer to watch. They saw an artist holding a clapper, beating it with a brisk rhythm, and muttering: "The beating of the clappers is like this, I won't praise anything else, I'll praise Tianjin's food is top-notch..." The audience around listened with great interest, and burst into applause and laughter from time to time.

Zhang Yuedong said with emotion: "Tianjin is worthy of being the hometown of folk art. These street performances are so wonderful. These traditional folk arts carry the history and culture of Tianjin and are full of the breath of life. They make people feel the enthusiasm and generosity of Tianjin people." Li Xiao and Lin Yifei also deeply agreed. They were immersed in this joyful atmosphere and felt the unique folk charm of Tianjin.

After the performance, they picked up some souvenirs with Tianjin characteristics at a handicraft shop in the scenic area. Li Xiao took a fancy to an exquisite Zhang clay figurine, the figures on which were lifelike, showing the folk customs of Tianjin. He couldn't put it down and said, "This Zhang clay figurine is so unique. I'll take it home and put it at home. Seeing it will remind me of the good times in Tianjin."

Zhang Yuedong picked out several Yangliuqing New Year paintings, which are colorful, auspicious, and full of folk art. He smiled and said, "These New Year paintings are very festive. I bought them to decorate my room and add some traditional cultural atmosphere."

Lin Yifei bought some Tianjin snacks, such as fried dough twist and bean curd, and planned to bring them back for his family and friends to taste. He said: "Let everyone taste the delicious food of Tianjin and share the joy of our trip."

With a lot of harvest and good memories, the three returned to the hotel. This day's trip to Tianjin allowed them to deeply appreciate the unique style of this city. Whether it was the exquisite architecture, tempting food, or wonderful folk performances, they were deeply impressed. They look forward to tomorrow's journey to continue exploring more wonderful things in China.

After bidding farewell to Tianjin, the three took a plane to Chongqing, a city known as the "Mountain City" and the "Fog City". As soon as they got off the plane, a hot and humid breath hit them in the face, as if warmly welcoming their arrival.

Chongqing, located in southwest China, is the economic, financial, scientific and technological, shipping and trade logistics center of the upper reaches of the Yangtze River. Its unique topography makes the city full of fantasy, with undulating mountains, crisscrossing rivers, and high-rise buildings scattered among the mountains, giving people a strong visual impact.

They took the light rail to the hotel. On the way, Li Xiao and the other two were amazed by the spectacle of the light rail passing through the building. Li Xiao pointed out the window excitedly: "Look, the light rail actually passed through the building. This is amazing!" Zhang Yuedong also widened his eyes and kept pressing the shutter of the camera: "Yes, this kind of scene can only be seen in Chongqing. It's really eye-opening." Lin Yifei curiously asked the passenger next to him: "How is this light rail passing through the building designed? Will it not affect the lives of residents?" The passenger smiled and explained: "This building and the light rail are designed and built simultaneously. The noise of the light rail is very small, and sound insulation measures have been taken, so it will not disturb the residents."

After arriving at the hotel and taking a short rest, they went to Jiefangbei. Jiefangbei is a landmark building in Chongqing and the commercial center of the city. Surrounded by tall buildings and shopping malls, it is bustling with people. Li Xiao stood under the Jiefangbei, looking up at the top of the monument, and said with emotion: "This Jiefangbei has witnessed the historical changes of Chongqing, and now it has become a symbol of a prosperous city. It is really of great significance."