Punch: From third-rate anchor to top chef

"Taoist culture is so profound. Every statue and every cultural relic here contains profound meaning." Zhang Yuedong said with emotion.

Lin Yifei also said: "Yes, through this visit, I have a deeper understanding of Taoist culture. Taoism is not only a religious belief, but also a philosophical thought and lifestyle."

Li Xiao smiled and said: "That's right, Taoism emphasizes the harmonious coexistence of man and nature and the pursuit of inner peace and freedom. In modern society, this kind of thought also has great inspiration for us."

After leaving Taiqing Palace, they continued to climb Mount Laoshan. Along the way, they admired the beautiful scenery around them and felt the charm of nature. After several hours of climbing, they finally reached the top of Mount Laoshan. Standing on the top of Mount Laoshan, overlooking the surrounding mountains and the sea, they were extremely excited.

"Wow, standing on the top of Laoshan, I feel like the whole world is at my feet. This feeling is amazing!" Zhang Yuedong shouted excitedly.

Li Xiao, Zhang Yuedong and Lin Yifei are good friends from college and all have a strong interest in traveling. They often share their travel experiences in their spare time. The beautiful scenery, delicious food and interesting people and things on the journey always make them look forward to the next trip. This time, they decided to embark on a unique trip to China to explore the local customs and practices of various parts of the motherland.

Lacquer thread sculptures use fine lacquer threads and special production methods to wrap around magnificent buildings, lifelike figures and clothing patterns, especially traditional folk themes such as dragons and phoenixes, unicorns, clouds and water, and lotus. They looked at the exquisite lacquer thread sculptures and were impressed by their exquisite craftsmanship. Li Xiao picked out a small lacquer thread sculpture ornament and prepared to take it back as a souvenir. "This lacquer thread sculpture is really beautiful. I want to take it home."

Lin Yifei was also shocked by the beautiful scenery before him: "This is the charm of Laoshan. It makes people feel the greatness of nature and the insignificance of human beings."

Li Xiao smiled and said: "This climb up Laoshan not only allowed us to enjoy the beautiful scenery, but also let us feel the profoundness of Taoist culture. This is a very meaningful trip."

After coming down from Laoshan, the three people's stomachs were already rumbling, so they decided to taste Qingdao's special food and experience the unique flavor of this city.

They came to a famous local seafood restaurant. As soon as they entered the door, they smelled a strong seafood aroma. The waiter greeted them warmly and recommended several Qingdao signature dishes to them.

"When you come to Qingdao, you must try Qingdao beer and seafood, which are Qingdao's specialties." said the waiter with a smile.

Zhang Yuedong nodded immediately after hearing this: "Okay, bring us a few bottles of Tsingtao beer, and recommend some seafood to us."

The waiter thought for a moment and said, "You can try the spicy fried clams, Spanish mackerel dumplings, and fried conch. These dishes are very popular."

The three nodded in agreement. Soon, Tsingtao beer was served on the table. Fresh Tsingtao beer had rich foam and a fragrant aroma, which made people want to drink it.

"Wow, this Tsingtao beer is really as good as its reputation, it tastes great!" Zhang Yuedong took a sip of beer and a satisfied expression appeared on his face.

Lin Yifei also took a sip and nodded, saying, "It's really delicious. This beer tastes very refreshing and has a strong malt aroma."

Li Xiao smiled and said: "Tsingtao Beer is the name card of Qingdao. Its history can be traced back to 1903. Tsingtao Beer has won the favor of domestic and foreign consumers with its unique brewing process and high-quality raw materials."

Then, spicy fried clams, Spanish mackerel dumplings and fried conch were served. The spicy fried clams were bright in color and fragrant, and the clam meat was tender and juicy. It tasted spicy and fresh, which made people linger. The Spanish mackerel dumplings were plump, with thin skin and large fillings. When you take a bite, the delicious soup spreads in your mouth instantly, making you feel the taste of the sea. The fried conch was tender, crisp and delicious, and it was a dish that really tested the chef's cooking skills.

"This spicy fried clams is so delicious. The clam meat is fresh and tender, and the spiciness is just right." Zhang Yuedong praised it while eating.

Lin Yifei also picked up a Spanish mackerel dumpling, put it in his mouth, and said: "This Spanish mackerel dumpling is also good, the filling is very delicious, and the skin is very chewy."

Li Xiao tasted a bite of fried conch and said with a smile: "This fried conch is very authentic. The cooking time of the conch meat is very good, and it is tender and chewy."

While tasting the food, they also learned about the stories and culture behind the food. The brewing process of Tsingtao Beer combines the traditional brewing techniques of Germany and China to form a unique flavor. Spicy fried clams are a common dish on the tables of Qingdao people. It is simple to make, but the taste is very delicious. Spanish mackerel dumplings are a traditional food in Qingdao. Its filling is made of fresh Spanish mackerel meat, paired with chives and other seasonings. It is delicious and nutritious.

"I didn't expect there were so many stories behind these delicacies," Zhang Yuedong said with emotion.

Lin Yifei also said: "Yes, tasting food is not only to satisfy the taste buds, but also to understand the local culture and history."

Li Xiao smiled and said: "Yes, this is also one of the pleasures of traveling. By tasting the food, we can better feel the charm of the city."

In addition to seafood and Tsingtao beer, they also tasted other specialties of Qingdao, such as braised pig's trotters, seaweed jelly, Qingdao pot stickers, etc. Each dish brought them a different taste experience, making them immersed in the world of food.

"Qingdao's food is so rich and every dish is so delicious." Zhang Yuedong said contentedly, touching his round belly.

Lin Yifei also smiled and said, "Yes, this time I came to Qingdao, I really feasted my eyes. If I have the chance in the future, I must come back to taste these delicacies."

Li Xiao nodded in agreement: "Yes, Qingdao's food culture has a long history, and there are still many delicacies worth exploring. This trip is just the beginning, and we will go to more places and taste more delicacies in the future."

On the last day in Qingdao, the three of them came to a seaside square where a wonderful marine folk performance was being held. The square was crowded and lively, and people were looking forward to the performance.

"I heard that this marine folk performance is very unique and can allow us to experience Qingdao's marine culture." Li Xiao said while looking for a seat.

Zhang Yuedong said excitedly: "That's great. I've wanted to watch it for a long time. I wonder what performances will be there?"

Lin Yifei was also full of anticipation: "Yes, I really want to see it soon."

Soon, the performance officially began. The first performance was the dragon dance. A huge golden dragon was seen flying up and down in the hands of the dancers, circling left and right, and it was lifelike. The dancers performed skillfully and coordinated well, showing the dragon's majesty and agility to the fullest. "Wow, this dragon dance performance is so wonderful!" Zhang Yuedong applauded excitedly.

Lin Yifei also said: "Yes, these dancers are really skilled. Dragon dancing is a traditional Chinese folk activity. It feels very special to see it in the Qingdao marine folk performance."

Li Xiao smiled and said: "Dragon dance has a long history in Qingdao. It is not only a form of performance, but also a cultural heritage. The dragon dance performance in Qingdao incorporates marine elements and is more distinctive."

Next, there was the lion dance performance. Two majestic lions jumped and rolled on the stage, sometimes shaking their heads and tails, and sometimes soaring into the air, looking so adorable that people couldn't help but laugh. The dancers showed the lions' liveliness and cuteness vividly through clever movements and expressions.

"This lion dance performance is so entertaining!" Zhang Yuedong couldn't stop smiling.

Lin Yifei also nodded in agreement: "Yes, lion dance is a traditional Chinese folk art, it symbolizes auspiciousness and happiness. Seeing these two lovely lions makes me feel especially happy."

Li Xiao said: "In Qingdao, lion dance performances often appear in important festivals and celebrations. It not only adds to the festive atmosphere, but also expresses people's yearning for a better life."

In addition to dragon and lion dances, there are also wonderful programs such as fishermen's songs and seaweed dance. Fishermen's songs are songs created by fishermen during their work. They have a brisk rhythm, passionate melody and are full of power. The actors sing out the fishermen's hard work and their awe of the sea with their loud voices.

"This fisherman's song sounds so powerful!" Zhang Yuedong was moved by the actors' singing.

Lin Yifei also said: "Yes, fishermen's songs are an important part of Qingdao's marine culture. It reflects the life and emotions of fishermen and makes people feel the power of the sea."

Li Xiao smiled and said: "The fishermen's songs were formed by the fishermen in their long life at sea. It is not only a form of music, but also a spiritual symbol. It inspires the fishermen to move forward bravely and overcome difficulties."

Seaweed dance is a dance with Qingdao characteristics, its movements are light and graceful, full of rhythm. The actors wear costumes woven with seaweed and dance on the stage, like a group of elves playing in the sea.

"This seaweed dance is so beautiful. It feels like I am enjoying a dream dance on the sea." Zhang Yuedong said intoxicatedly.

Lin Yifei also nodded in agreement: "Yes, the seaweed dance fully demonstrates the marine characteristics of Qingdao. Its costumes and dance moves are closely related to the sea, making people feel the beauty and mystery of the sea."

Li Xiao introduced: "The seaweed dance was created by Qingdao fishermen in their long-term life. It is not only a dance form, but also an expression and inheritance of marine culture."

Throughout the performance, the audience applauded and cheered one after another. The three were also attracted by the wonderful performance and immersed in Qingdao's marine culture.

"This marine folk performance is really great! It gave me a deeper understanding of Qingdao's marine culture." Zhang Yuedong said with emotion.

Lin Yifei also said: "Yes, Qingdao's marine culture is really rich and colorful. This trip not only allowed us to enjoy the beautiful scenery and taste delicious food, but also let us feel the unique marine culture."

Li Xiao smiled and said: "That's right, traveling is like this, allowing us to constantly explore and discover new things. Qingdao's marine culture has left a deep impression on us, and this will be one of the most precious memories of our trip."

After watching the marine folk performance, the three came to the local specialty market, ready to buy some Qingdao specialties to take back to give to relatives and friends.

The specialty market is bustling with activity, and the variety of specialty products is dazzling.
Epilogue: Gains and memories of the journey

After the trip to Qingdao came to an end, the three of them set off on their return journey. On the high-speed train, they were all a little silent, their hearts filled with reluctance to leave this trip.

After a long while, Zhang Yuedong broke the silence: "This trip is really unforgettable. Every city has its own unique charm. I really hope time can go slower."

Lin Yifei also said with emotion: "Yes, the food in Chengdu, the landscape in Guilin, and the seaside scenery in Qingdao all left me with endless aftertastes. I feel that I have gained a lot from this trip."

Li Xiao smiled and said: "This trip not only allowed us to appreciate the beautiful mountains and rivers of our motherland and taste the delicacies of various places, but also gave us a deeper understanding of the cultures of different places. These experiences will become the most precious wealth in our lives."

Zhang Yuedong nodded and continued, "I still remember the spicy and delicious food I ate at Jinli Ancient Street in Chengdu. I drool just thinking about it now. I also watched the Sichuan Opera face-changing performance, which was so shocking. It felt like I had opened a door to traditional culture."

Lin Yifei also recalled his time in Guilin: "On the day of rafting on the Li River, the sun shone on the river, the waves sparkled, and the mountains on both sides looked like an ink painting. There was also the performance of Impression Liu Sanjie, with the mountains and rivers as the background, which was really amazing and gave me a deeper understanding of Guilin's culture."

Li Xiao recalled every detail of his stay in Qingdao: "Qingdao's trestle and Badaguan made me feel the history and cultural heritage of this city. I was also impressed by the natural scenery and Taoist culture of Laoshan. The moment I stood on the top of Laoshan overlooking the mountains and the sea, I felt that all my fatigue disappeared."

They recalled every detail of their trip, and those beautiful moments seemed to reappear before their eyes. Every scenic spot, every delicacy, and every interaction with the locals became the most precious part of their memories.

"This trip made me understand that the meaning of travel is not only to appreciate the scenery, but also to experience different lives, feel different cultures, and make friends with different people." Li Xiao said seriously.

Zhang Yuedong and Lin Yifei both agreed. Zhang Yuedong smiled and said, "That's right, and through this trip, our relationship has become closer. In the future, we will go to more places together and see more scenery."

Lin Yifei also nodded and said, "Yes, next time we will go to a more distant place and explore more unknown beauty."

As the high-speed train sped along, they were getting closer and closer to their hometown. Although the trip was about to end, they knew that it was only a fragment of their life journey. The gains and memories brought by this trip would always accompany them and inspire them to move forward bravely in the future life and pursue more beauty. (End of this chapter)