Punch: From third-rate anchor to top chef

Chapter 1687

"This is simply a paradise on earth!" Zhang Yuedong couldn't help but exclaim. Lin Yifei also widened his eyes, his face full of shock: "I have only seen it in photos before, I didn't expect it to be more beautiful in reality." Li Xiao looked at the beautiful scenery in front of him, his heart full of emotion: "Nature is so amazing that it can create such a beautiful place."

They strolled along the plank road, enjoying the beautiful scenery along the way. The lake water was crystal clear, and colorful fish swam freely in the water. The waterfall in the distance rushed down, splashing layers of water, and sparkling colorful light under the sunlight.

"Look, does the waterfall look like a white ribbon?" Lin Yifei pointed at the waterfall and said. Zhang Yuedong smiled and said, "It looks more like a galaxy falling from the sky. It's so spectacular!" Li Xiao introduced the geological causes of Jiuzhaigou to everyone: "The formation of Jiuzhaigou is related to geological structure, volcanic activity, sedimentation, etc. The rocks here are mainly limestone, which has been eroded and dissolved by running water for a long time, forming these peculiar landforms. The reason why the color of the lake is so colorful is that the lake contains rich minerals and algae, which show different colors under the sunlight." Zhang Yuedong and Lin Yifei listened with great interest and learned more about the magic of Jiuzhaigou.

They came to the Five Color Pool, where the water showed a variety of colors, like a huge palette. The trees by the pool were reflected in the water, and the lake water set off each other, which was beautiful.

"This colorful pool is so beautiful, it feels like walking into a fairy tale world." Zhang Yuedong said excitedly. Lin Yifei also nodded in agreement: "Yes, this color is even more beautiful than a painting." Li Xiao looked at the colorful pool and felt inexplicably moved: "The uncanny workmanship of nature is really awe-inspiring."

They spent the whole day in Jiuzhaigou and left reluctantly until the sun set.

After returning to Chengdu from Jiuzhaigou, the first thing the three did was to taste the authentic Sichuan spicy hot pot. They came to a very popular hot pot restaurant, which was packed with people and very lively.

As soon as they entered the hot pot restaurant, the rich spicy aroma hit their noses. The waiter warmly welcomed them in and recommended the signature hot pot base to them. Soon, a pot of steaming hot pot was served on the table. In the pot base, bright red chili oil, dense peppercorns and various spices rolled in the soup, exuding an alluring aroma.

"This smells so good!" Zhang Yuedong couldn't wait to pick up the chopsticks and prepare to eat heartily. Lin Yifei also smiled and said: "I have heard that Sichuan hot pot is very spicy, I must try it today." Li Xiao reminded everyone: "Don't be in a hurry to eat hot pot, put the ingredients in and rinse them first."

They ordered a variety of meats, vegetables and seafood, and put them into the pot one by one. After a while, the ingredients were cooked and exuded an enticing aroma. Zhang Yuedong picked up a piece of beef and put it in his mouth. His face instantly turned red from the spiciness: "This is too spicy, but it's really addictive!" Lin Yifei also drank water because of the spiciness, but he kept stuffing food into his mouth: "Although it's spicy, the taste is really addictive."

While tasting the hot pot, Li Xiao introduced the unique charm of Sichuan hot pot to everyone: "Sichuan hot pot is famous for its spicy and fragrant taste. Its soup base is made from a variety of spices such as beef tallow, chili peppers, and peppercorns, and the taste is rich and mellow. Moreover, the ingredients of hot pot are very rich. Various meats, vegetables, and seafood can be eaten, which can meet the taste needs of different people. Eating hot pot is not only a kind of gourmet enjoyment, but also a way of socializing. Everyone sits together, eating and chatting, and the atmosphere is particularly good." Zhang Yuedong and Lin Yifei nodded repeatedly after listening, and their love for Sichuan hot pot increased a little more.

The three of them ate hot pot while sharing interesting stories from their trip, and laughter echoed in the restaurant.

After eating and drinking, they came to a teahouse to enjoy a wonderful Sichuan opera face-changing performance. As a traditional Sichuan opera, Sichuan opera has a unique artistic charm, and face-changing is one of the most representative performance forms of Sichuan opera.

Walking into the teahouse, the antique decorations make people feel like they have traveled back to ancient times. On the stage, the actors are preparing nervously. Soon, the performance officially begins.

The first performance was a wonderful Sichuan opera singing. The actors' voices were high-pitched, loud, and melodious, which made people intoxicated. Then, the face-changing performance began. The actors wore gorgeous costumes and exquisite headdresses and danced on the stage. With a wave of his hand and a twist of his face, he instantly changed into a different face. The speed was so fast that it was dazzling.

"This is too magical!" Zhang Yuedong couldn't help but exclaimed. Lin Yifei also widened his eyes, his face full of disbelief: "How did he do it? This is too fast." Li Xiao introduced the principles and techniques of Sichuan Opera face changing to everyone: "There are three main methods of Sichuan Opera face changing, namely wiping the face, blowing the face and pulling the face. Wiping the face is to apply makeup oil paint on a certain part of the face, and then wipe it on the face with your hand to change the face color. Blowing the face is to place powdered cosmetics, such as gold powder, ink powder, silver powder, etc., in a container at a specific position on the stage. The actor will do a prone dance move and take the opportunity to put his face close to the face. When the container is blown, the powder falls on the face, and the face immediately changes to another color. Pulling the face is a more complicated method of changing the face. The face mask is drawn on silk sheets in advance, cut, and tied with a bunch of silk thread on each face mask, and then pasted on the face one by one. The silk thread is tied to a convenient and inconspicuous place on the clothes, such as a belt. As the plot develops, under the cover of dance movements, the actors pull it off one by one. "Zhang Yuedong and Lin Yifei listened with great interest and learned more about the magical skills of Sichuan Opera face changing.

During the performance, the actor came off the stage from time to time to interact with the audience. He invited Zhang Yuedong to the stage to demonstrate his face-changing skills. Zhang Yuedong was very excited and stood carefully beside the actor, watching him change his face in an instant, full of admiration.

After the performance, the audience burst into warm applause. The actors took their bows on stage with proud smiles on their faces.

After enjoying the Sichuan Opera face-changing performance, they came to a Shu embroidery shop. As one of the four famous embroidery styles in China, Shu embroidery is famous for its exquisite craftsmanship and unique style.

Walking into the Shu embroidery shop, the shop is filled with various Shu embroidery works, including flowers, birds, fish, insects, landscapes, portraits, etc. Each piece is lifelike and exquisite. Zhang Yuedong immediately fell in love with a Shu embroidery work with a panda. The panda's naive appearance is very cute: "This panda is so realistic, I want to buy it back as a gift for my family."

Li Xiao was also selecting. He was very interested in a Shu embroidery work with hibiscus flowers. Hibiscus is the city flower of Chengdu. This work is brightly colored and delicately stitched, showing the beauty of hibiscus flowers to the fullest: "This hibiscus flower is so beautifully embroidered. It represents the characteristics of Chengdu. I want to take it home."

The shop owner came over and enthusiastically introduced the history and characteristics of Shu embroidery to them: "Shu embroidery originated in the ancient Shu period and has a history of more than 12 years. It uses soft satin and colored silk as the main materials, and has a rich variety of needlework, including 130 categories and more than types. The characteristics of Shu embroidery are vivid images, bright colors, and a sense of three-dimensionality. In addition, the needlework of the embroidery is rigorous and precise, and the needlework is particular, which can well express the texture and charm of the object." Lin Yifei also selected some small Shu embroidery accessories to give to his friends: "These accessories are so exquisite, I believe my friends will like them." The three of them spent a long time selecting in the Shu embroidery shop, and everyone gained a lot. They took these exquisite Shu embroidery works with them, as if they also took away the charm of Chengdu.

During the few days in Chengdu, they visited Jiuzhaigou, ate spicy hotpot, watched Sichuan opera face-changing, and bought Sichuan embroidery treasures, fully experiencing the charm of this city. Each experience made them have a deeper understanding and love for Chengdu. They are looking forward to the next journey and what kind of surprises are waiting for them.

After finishing the food and cultural tour in Chengdu, the three were full of anticipation for the upcoming trip to Hangzhou. They packed their luggage and boarded the train to Hangzhou. Along the way, they excitedly discussed the beautiful scenery and food in Hangzhou and imagined the wonderful journey that was about to come.

"I heard that the West Lake in Hangzhou is as beautiful as a painting. I can't wait to go and see it." Zhang Yuedong said excitedly. Lin Yifei also smiled and agreed: "Yes, there is also the poetic Broken Bridge. Maybe you can encounter a romantic love story!" Li Xiao smiled and said: "Not only that, Hangzhou's delicacies are not to be missed, such as West Lake vinegar fish and Longjing shrimp. Just hearing the names makes people salivate."

As the train slowly pulled into Hangzhou Station, they became more and more excited. This poetic and romantic city was about to unfold before their eyes.

As soon as they arrived in Hangzhou, they headed straight to the West Lake. When they arrived at the West Lake, they were intoxicated by the beautiful scenery in front of them. The lake water was as green as a mirror, and the breeze blew through it, creating layers of ripples. The mountains in the distance were rolling, and the West Lake set off each other, forming a picturesque scene.

"This is West Lake, it's so beautiful!" Zhang Yuedong couldn't help but sigh. Lin Yifei also widened his eyes, his face full of shock: "I only read about it in poems before, I didn't expect it to be more beautiful in reality." Li Xiao looked at the beautiful scenery in front of him, his heart full of emotion: "If you want to compare West Lake to Xi Shi, light makeup or heavy makeup is always suitable. The beauty of West Lake is really well-deserved."

They rented a boat and slowly sailed into the lake. The water was crystal clear and the fish swam freely in the water. The weeping willows on the shore were swaying, and their slender branches fluttered in the wind like a girl's hair. In the distance, the Leifeng Pagoda stood by the lake, looking particularly solemn under the sunlight.

"Look, that's the Leifeng Pagoda." Li Xiao pointed at the Leifeng Pagoda and said. Zhang Yuedong asked curiously, "Is it the Leifeng Pagoda that suppressed the White Snake in the legend?" Li Xiao smiled and said, "Yes, this legend has added a lot of mystery to the Leifeng Pagoda."

The boat continued to move forward and they arrived at the Su Causeway. The Su Causeway was shaded by green trees and colorful flowers. Walking on the Su Causeway, it felt like being in a beautiful painting. "Su Causeway Spring Dawn is one of the ten scenic spots of West Lake. In spring, the scenery here is particularly charming." Li Xiao introduced.

Looking at the beautiful scenery on Su Causeway, Lin Yifei couldn't help reciting Su Shi's poem: "The water is rippling and beautiful when the weather is fine; the mountains are misty and strange when it rains." Zhang Yuedong also recited: "If I want to compare the West Lake to Xi Shi, light makeup or heavy makeup is always suitable." While reciting poems, the three of them appreciated the beautiful scenery of Su Causeway and felt the ancients' praise for West Lake.

Then, they came to the Three Pools Mirroring the Moon. On the lake, three stone towers stood tall and graceful, like three fairies guarding the West Lake. "These three stone towers are the Three Pools Mirroring the Moon. It is said that on the night of the Mid-Autumn Festival, thirty-three moons can be seen here." Li Xiao said. Zhang Yuedong and Lin Yifei were both very curious and took out their cameras to take pictures.

While boating on the West Lake, they fully enjoyed the beautiful scenery of the south of the Yangtze River and felt the charm of nature. Every scene of the West Lake made them linger.

After returning from the West Lake, the three were already hungry. They decided to try the special food of Hangzhou - West Lake Vinegar Fish. After some inquiries, they came to the famous Louwailou.

As soon as you enter Louwailou, the antique decoration style is eye-catching. The restaurant is full of diners and very lively. The waiter warmly welcomed them in and recommended the signature dish West Lake Vinegar Fish to them.

Soon, a plate of West Lake vinegar fish with good color, aroma and taste was served on the table. The fish body was bright red, and the sweet and sour sauce poured on it was crystal clear and exuded an alluring aroma. "This is West Lake vinegar fish, it looks very appetizing." Zhang Yuedong couldn't wait to pick up the chopsticks and prepare to taste it.

Li Xiao smiled and said, "This West Lake Vinegar Fish has an allusion. According to legend, during the Southern Song Dynasty, there were two brothers named Song who lived by the West Lake. The elder brother was beaten to death by a bully. In order to let the younger brother escape, his sister-in-law cooked a fish for him and added sugar and vinegar to the fish, implying that life has its ups and downs, and hoped that the younger brother would not forget revenge. Later, the younger brother passed the imperial examination and came back to punish the bully. This dish has been passed down because of this."

Zhang Yuedong and Lin Yifei listened with great interest and showed more respect for this West Lake vinegar fish. They picked up a piece of fish and put it in their mouths. The tender fish meat melted in their mouths, and the sweet and sour taste spread in their mouths, with a slight crab flavor, which made people linger.

"This taste is amazing! The fish is tender, sweet and sour, and it's simply a delicacy." Zhang Yuedong praised as he ate. Lin Yifei also nodded in agreement: "This West Lake Vinegar Fish is indeed worthy of its reputation. It is one of the most delicious fish I have ever eaten."

While tasting West Lake Vinegar Fish, they also ordered some other Hangzhou specialties, such as Longjing Shrimp, Beggar's Chicken, etc. They were full of praise for each dish and fully felt the unique charm of Jiangnan cuisine.