Punch: From third-rate anchor to top chef

Chapter 1683

Li Xiao looked at the surrounding scenery and said, "This is the charm of Guilin, with beautiful mountains and clear waters and a beautiful natural environment."

After they arrived at the hotel and put down their luggage, they could not wait to go to the Li River to take a boat to enjoy the picturesque scenery. When they arrived at the Li River wharf, the cruise ships were neatly lined up on the shore, waiting for the arrival of tourists. The three boarded a cruise ship and found a seat by the window to better enjoy the scenery.

The cruise ship started slowly, and ripples appeared on the calm river surface. As the cruise ship moved forward, the scenery on both sides of the river gradually came into view. The mountains in the distance were undulating and varied in shape, some like camels, some like elephants, and some like fairies, which made people marvel at the wonders of nature.

"Wow, the scenery is so beautiful! It's like a flowing ink painting." Zhang Yuedong was stunned by the beauty before his eyes. He kept taking pictures with his camera, wanting to record these beautiful moments.

Li Xiao was also shocked by the scenery. He said with emotion: "It really is 'the river is like a blue silk belt, and the mountains are like jade hairpins'. I only saw such descriptions in books before, but now I see it with my own eyes and truly appreciate its beauty."

Lin Yifei carefully observed the surrounding scenery and said: "Guilin's landscape is a typical karst landform. This unique geological structure has created such a magical landscape. These peaks have gradually formed their current appearance over a long geological period through erosion by wind and rain and scouring by water."

"So that's why. No wonder these mountains are so peculiar." Zhang Yuedong nodded in sudden enlightenment.

The boat continued to move forward and they came to the famous Nine Horses Painting Mountain. On a huge stone wall, it seemed as if there were nine horses galloping. These horses were standing or lying, running or neighing, and their shapes were lifelike, which made people marvel at them.

"Legend has it that whoever can identify the nine horses will win the top spot in the imperial examination," Li Xiao said with a smile.

Zhang Yuedong hurriedly counted them carefully, "One, two, three... Oh, why can I only see five?" He scratched his head anxiously.

Lin Yifei also observed carefully, "I saw seven, and there are two more hidden."

Li Xiao said slowly: "I think when looking at these horses, you should not only use your eyes, but also feel them with your heart. Maybe when inspiration comes, you can see everything."

After staying at Jiuma Painting Mountain for a while, the cruise ship continued to sail towards Xingping Ancient Town. The scenery along the way was still beautiful, and they seemed to be in a dreamlike world, deeply intoxicated by the beauty of nature.

After arriving at Xingping Ancient Town, they went ashore to rest for a while. The ancient town was full of ancient atmosphere, bluestone roads, and ancient buildings, as if people traveled back to the past. They strolled in the ancient town, admiring the ancient buildings and feeling the historical charm here.

"The architecture here is very distinctive and retains many traditional elements," said Lin Yifei as he walked.

Zhang Yuedong looked at the shops on the street and said, "There are many shops selling specialties and handicrafts here. We can go shopping later."

After a short rest, their stomachs began to growl. So they decided to try the local specialty, Guilin rice noodles. They walked into a rice noodle shop, which was filled with a rich aroma that made people salivate.

"Boss, give me three bowls of Guilin rice noodles." Zhang Yuedong shouted loudly.

Soon, the steaming Guilin rice noodles were served on the table. The white and tender rice noodles, paired with the delicious brine, crispy peanuts, sour beans and tender beef, made people's appetite increase.

"Wow, this Guilin rice noodle looks very tempting." Li Xiao said, and couldn't wait to taste it.

"Mm, this tastes amazing! The rice noodles are smooth and chewy, and the marinade is fresh and rich. It really is Guilin's specialty food." Zhang Yuedong praised it while eating.

Lin Yifei also tasted it carefully and said, "The texture and taste of this Guilin rice noodle are very unique, completely different from the rice noodles we have eaten before."

The three of them ate with gusto. After a while, they finished the bowl of rice noodles. After eating the rice noodles, they continued to play in the ancient town. They came to the Li River and saw some fishermen performing osprey fishing.

Fishermen were seen standing on bamboo rafts, holding bamboo poles in their hands, directing the ospreys to go into the water to catch fish. The ospreys nimbly shuttled through the water, soon picking up fish, and then flew back to the bamboo rafts to hand the fish to the fishermen.

"These ospreys are amazing at catching fish. They cooperate very well with the fishermen," exclaimed Zhang Yuedong.

Li Xiao said: "This is an ancient skill that has been passed down by the fishermen of the Li River for thousands of years. Now it has become a special folk performance for tourists to enjoy."

Lin Yifei looked at the scene of the osprey catching fish and said: "This picture of harmonious coexistence between humans and animals makes people feel the magic and beauty of nature."

After enjoying the osprey fishing show, they came to a specialty store filled with various Guilin specialties, such as Yangshuo painted fans, monk fruit, and Guilin Sanhua wine.

"These Yangshuo painted fans are so beautiful. The paintings on them are lifelike and very artistic." Li Xiao picked up a painted fan and admired it carefully.

Zhang Yuedong also picked out a few painted fans and said, "I will buy a few more to bring back and give to my friends so that they can also experience the culture of Guilin."

Lin Yifei picked some monk fruit and said, "Monk fruit has the effect of clearing heat and moistening the lungs, relieving cough and reducing phlegm. Bring it back and make tea for your family to drink. It is good for the body."

They picked some of their favorite specialties in the specialty store and left the ancient town with a full harvest. On the way back to the hotel, they were still immersed in the beautiful scenery and delicious food of Guilin, and kept talking about what they saw and heard today.

"I have a really great time today. I am deeply impressed by Guilin's landscape, food and customs," Zhang Yuedong said excitedly.

Li Xiao smiled and said, "Yes, this is only our first day in Guilin. There are still more wonderful places waiting for us to explore."

Lin Yifei also said with anticipation: "I hope we can have more surprises and gains in the next journey." After returning to the hotel, the three of them washed up and lay down on the bed to rest. With the expectation of tomorrow, they gradually fell asleep, and in their dreams they still dreamed of the picturesque Guilin landscape.

After several hours of flight from Guilin, Li Xiao, Zhang Yuedong and Lin Yifei finally arrived at Qingdao Liuting International Airport. As soon as they got off the plane, they felt the unique charm of this coastal city. The air was filled with a faint smell of the sea, and the sea breeze gently blew on their faces, bringing a hint of coolness, making people feel relaxed and happy.

"Wow, we're finally in Qingdao! I can even smell the sea." Zhang Yuedong said excitedly, taking a deep breath as he spoke, as if he wanted to inhale the entire scent of Qingdao into his lungs.

Li Xiao smiled and said, "Yes, Qingdao is a beautiful coastal city with many places worth exploring."

Lin Yifei pushed his glasses, looked at the sign outside the airport, and said, "Let's go to the hotel to put down our luggage first, and then we can go to the beach."

After a short rest in the hotel, the three of them could not wait to go to Qingdao's iconic attraction - the Zhanqiao. The Zhanqiao is located in Qingdao Bay, in a straight line with the most prosperous Zhongshan Road in the city, extending from the coast into the sea, and is known as the "Long Rainbow Leading Far Away". It was built in the 18th year of the Guangxu period of the Qing Dynasty and is the earliest wharf in Qingdao. Today, it has become an important landmark building and a famous scenic spot in Qingdao.

When they arrived at the trestle bridge, they saw that it was crowded with people. Tourists took out their cameras to record the beautiful scenery. The trestle bridge cut through the waves, like a long dragon lying on the blue sea. Walking along the bridge, it seemed like walking into the embrace of the sea. There is a semicircular breakwater at the south end of the bridge. Inside the breakwater is a two-story octagonal pavilion with ethnic style, with golden tiles and red walls, helmet-topped eaves, and the title is "Huilan Pavilion".

"This pier is so spectacular!" Zhang Yuedong exclaimed, and as he spoke, he walked quickly onto the pier, wanting to feel the charm of the sea up close.

Li Xiao followed behind and said: "The trestle bridge is not only a symbol of Qingdao, but also a witness to Qingdao's history. It has undergone many reconstructions and renovations to become what we see now."

Standing on the pier, overlooking the sea, Lin Yifei said: "Standing here, you can see Xiaoqingdao in the distance and the ships coming and going. The scenery is really beautiful."

They walked slowly along the pier, enjoying the surrounding scenery. The sea breeze blew, and the waves hit the pier, making a pleasant sound. In the distance, a few seagulls were flying freely on the sea, sometimes diving and sometimes circling, adding vitality and vigor to the sea.

"Look, how free those seagulls are!" Zhang Yuedong pointed at the seagulls, his eyes full of envy.

Li Xiao smiled and said: "They are like the elves of the sea, blending into one with the sea."

At the end of the trestle, they came to Huilan Pavilion. The pavilion displayed some exhibits about Qingdao's history and culture, which gave them a deeper understanding of the city. Standing next to the pavilion, admiring the layers of huge waves, they were intoxicated by the beautiful scenery of "flying pavilions and returning waves".

"This 'Flying Pavilion Returning Waves' is indeed worthy of its reputation, it is so spectacular!" Zhang Yuedong said excitedly, while continuously pressing the shutter of the camera.

Lin Yifei also exclaimed: "Yes, this beautiful scenery makes people feel the power and charm of nature."

After leaving the trestle, they came to Badaguan. Badaguan is located on the coast of Shinan District and is an important symbol of Qingdao's marine culture. It brings together various architectural styles from more than 20 countries including Russia, Britain, France, Germany, the United States, Denmark, Greece, Spain, Switzerland, and Japan, so it is known as the "International Architecture Expo".

As soon as they entered Badaguan, they were attracted by the unique architectural style here. The villas on both sides of the street are scattered in an orderly manner, with red tiles, yellow walls, green trees, blue sea and blue sky complementing each other, forming a beautiful picture. These buildings are meticulously crafted in details, such as spires, sloping roofs, dormer windows, arched windows, etc., fully demonstrating the charm of Western architecture.

"The buildings here are so beautiful! Each one is like a work of art." Zhang Yuedong couldn't help but exclaim, his eyes flashing with excitement, and he kept recording these beautiful moments with his camera.

Li Xiao looked at the surrounding buildings and said with emotion: "The buildings in Badaguan have witnessed the historical changes of Qingdao. They are not only buildings, but also the memory of history."

Lin Yifei pushed up his glasses and said, "These buildings have diverse styles, integrating cultural elements from different countries and regions, reflecting the multicultural characteristics of Qingdao."

They strolled along the street, admiring buildings of various styles. Huashilou is the most famous and representative villa in Badaguan. It is a European castle-style building that integrates multiple Western architectural art styles, with both Greek and Roman styles and Gothic architectural features. Princess Building is a typical Danish building with green exterior walls, spire and red roof. The whole building has a unique shape and simple style. Butterfly Building is named after the legend that a pair of butterflies danced here. It is a two-story Western-style building with a unique shape of a butterfly.

"This Huashilou looks so mysterious. I wonder what's inside." Zhang Yuedong said curiously.

Li Xiao said: "There are some furniture and decorations from that time on display in Huashilou, showing the life style of that era."

Lin Yifei added: "It is said that Dai Li of the Kuomintang lived here before liberation, and there is also a story circulating among the people that Chiang Kai-shek once spent time here with his beauty Chen Bijun."

"Wow, I didn't expect that this Huashilou has so many stories." Zhang Yuedong said in surprise.

After touring Badaguan, they felt a little hungry. So they decided to go to Qingdao's famous Beer Street to taste local specialties and Tsingtao beer. Beer Street is a gathering place for food and beverage, and also a leisure and tourism corridor. There are many special restaurants here, and beer culture elements can be seen everywhere, telling the story of Qingdao's century-old development.

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As soon as they entered the Beer Street, they were infected by the lively atmosphere. The shops on both sides of the street were full of diners, who were enjoying the food and drinking Tsingtao beer, with laughter and joy echoing in the air. The air was filled with the aroma of various delicacies, making people salivate.

"The atmosphere here is great! It feels like everyone is enjoying life." Zhang Yuedong said excitedly.

Li Xiao smiled and said: "People in Qingdao like to 'drink beer and eat clams'. This is their way of life."

They walked into a seafood restaurant and ordered some Qingdao specialties, such as spicy fried clams, braised prawns, steamed crabs, etc. They also ordered a few bottles of Qingdao beer. Soon, the steaming food was served on the table.

"Wow, these seafood look so tempting!" Zhang Yuedong couldn't wait to pick up a clam and put it in his mouth.

"Well, the clam meat is fresh and delicious!" Zhang Yuedong praised it while eating.