Punch: From third-rate anchor to top chef

Chapter 1705

Zhang Yuedong wiped the sweat from his forehead and said with a wry smile: "You two are so energetic. I feel like my legs are not my own anymore."

Lin Yifei also stopped and turned back to Zhang Yuedong and said, "Don't be in a hurry, walk slowly, and let's enjoy the scenery along the way together."

During the climb, they enjoyed many beautiful views. Various strange plants grew on the cliffs, and they took root in the cracks of the rocks, showing the tenacity of life. In the valley in the distance, the clouds and mist were lingering, like a fairyland. Occasionally, the singing of birds could be heard, adding a bit of vitality to the quiet forest.

After some efforts, they finally reached the top of the Elder Peak. Standing on the top of the mountain and overlooking the surrounding scenery, the three of them were shocked by the beautiful scenery in front of them. The continuous mountains, dense forests, and winding rivers were all in sight, which made people feel relaxed and happy.

"Wow, this scenery is absolutely amazing!" Li Xiao shouted excitedly, taking pictures with the camera in his hand.

Zhang Yuedong also said excitedly: "It's worth it. For this beautiful view, no matter how tired I am, it's worth it!"

Lin Yifei took a deep breath and said with emotion: "I will be on top of the mountain, looking down on all the other mountains. This feeling is really indescribable."

After coming down from the Elder Peak, they came to Yangyuan Mountain, which is famous for its unique Yangyuan Stone. The Yangyuan Stone stands tall and its shape resembles the male reproductive organ, which makes people marvel at the uncanny workmanship of nature.

"This is the Yang Yuan Stone, it's so realistic!" Zhang Yuedong widened his eyes in surprise.

Li Xiao also smiled and said: "Nature is really a magical artist. It can create such a strange landscape."

Lin Yifei began to explain to them the formation of Yang Yuan Stone: "Yang Yuan Stone is formed after long-term weathering and water erosion. Its formation process is very long and takes millions of years."

The three of them circled around the Yang Yuan Stone, admiring the spectacle from different angles. Tourists around also took photos, all of them attracted by this unique landscape.

After leaving Yangyuan Mountain, they came to the shore of Xianglong Lake. The surface of Xianglong Lake was as calm as a mirror, and the emerald green water reflected the surrounding green trees and green mountains, like a beautiful painting. The paths along the lake were full of various flowers, and the fragrance was fragrant.

They strolled along the lake, enjoying this peaceful and beautiful time. Zhang Yuedong stopped from time to time, picked some wild flowers, made them into a wreath and put it on his head, making everyone laugh. Li Xiao took a camera and captured every beautiful moment. Lin Yifei quietly admired the surrounding scenery and felt the tranquility and harmony of nature.

"It's so beautiful here. It would be great if I could live here." Zhang Yuedong said with emotion.

Li Xiao smiled and said, "Then why don't you just stay here and be a forest ranger."

Lin Yifei also joked: "He must be reluctant to leave the delicious food here, and will run back after staying for a few days."

After a day of fun, the three were hungry. They went to a restaurant near the scenic spot to taste the local food. The restaurant was full of tourists and very lively.

They ordered special dishes such as stir-fried pit snails, Danxia fish with stinky black beans, and farmhouse stuffed tofu. Soon, the dishes were served, and the aroma was fragrant.

"Wow, these dishes look very appetizing!" Zhang Yuedong couldn't wait to pick up the chopsticks, picked up a piece of stinky bean fish and put it into his mouth.

"Well, this taste is amazing. It smells stinky but tastes delicious!" Zhang Yuedong praised while eating.

Li Xiao also tried the stir-fried pit snails, which were tender, juicy, spicy and delicious, and he praised them highly. Lin Yifei had a special liking for the farmhouse stuffed tofu, which was tender and smooth, and tasted very delicious with the delicious soup.

"I didn't expect that Danxia Mountain not only has beautiful scenery, but also great food!" Li Xiao said with satisfaction.

Zhang Yuedong nodded as he ate: "Yeah, I feel like I can eat a whole cow!"

Lin Yifei smiled and said, "Don't just focus on eating, remember to save some space for other delicacies."

After dinner, they went to a nearby market to buy local specialties. The market was bustling with a wide variety of goods. They picked some white tea, dried bamboo shoots, Danxia red beans and other specialties to take back to give to relatives and friends.

"I heard this Baimao tea is very famous. I'll take it back for my family to try." Li Xiao picked up a bag of Baimao tea and looked at it carefully.

Zhang Yuedong bought a lot of dried bamboo shoots. He said: "These dried bamboo shoots will definitely be delicious when used to make soup."

Lin Yifei selected some exquisite Danxia red bean ornaments. He said: "These ornaments are very commemorative and are great as gifts for friends."

At the market, they also met some local residents and talked with them about the history and culture of Danxia Mountain. The residents were warm and hospitable and told them many interesting stories and legends, which gave them a deeper understanding of Danxia Mountain.

As the sun sets, the three of them leave Danxia Mountain with a lot of harvest and wonderful memories. They know that this trip to Danxia Mountain will become an unforgettable experience in their lives.

Zhaoqing Qixingyan: a dreamlike place with beautiful lakes and mountains

After leaving Danxia Mountain, Li Xiao, Zhang Yuedong and Lin Yifei headed to Qixingyan in Zhaoqing without stopping. Along the way, they were full of expectations for Qixingyan and kept discussing the beauty and legends of Qixingyan that they had learned from various channels.

When they stepped into the Qixingyan Scenic Area, the scenery in front of them was like a beautiful painting. The vast Xinghu Lake was sparkling, and the clear lake water reflected the surrounding mountains and sky, like a huge mirror. On the lake, there were many cruise ships, and the laughter of tourists echoed in the air. The seven peaks in the distance were arranged like the Big Dipper, with different shapes. Some were like sharp swords piercing the sky, some were like fairies standing tall, and some were like camels carrying heavy loads.

"Wow, it's so beautiful here! It's even more beautiful than I imagined!" Zhang Yuedong shouted excitedly, with an excited smile on his face.

Li Xiao was also shocked by the beautiful scenery. He raised his camera and kept taking pictures, wanting to freeze this beautiful moment forever. "This scenery, any shot is a blockbuster!" Li Xiao exclaimed. Lin Yifei pushed his glasses and said, "Qixingyan is a typical representative of karst landforms. This unique landform has created its picturesque beauty. It is worthy of being the 'first wonder of Lingnan'."

The three of them could not wait to rent a boat and prepare to swim in the Star Lake. They sat in the boat, feeling the breeze and admiring the surrounding scenery. The lake water was clear and the fish could be seen swimming freely in the water. In the distance, the mountains were rolling and covered with green trees. Occasionally, you could see a few waterfalls flowing down from the mountains, hanging like silver threads in the mountains.

"It feels so great, as if I am in a fairyland." Li Xiao closed his eyes, took a deep breath, and felt the breath of nature.

Zhang Yuedong said as he rowed the boat: "Yes, it would be great if I could live here for a while. Waking up every day to see such a beautiful view would definitely make me feel very happy."

Lin Yifei smiled and said, "Why don't you stay and be a boatman? You can row a boat in this beautiful Xinghu Lake every day."

"Haha, that's not bad either. Maybe you can meet a beautiful fairy." Zhang Yuedong responded with a smile, causing everyone to laugh.

They moored the boat at the shore and began to climb the seven peaks. The first one they came to was Langfeng Rock, which has a peculiar shape and many jagged rocks on the mountain, as if it was a work of art carefully carved by nature. The three climbed up the steep mountain road. Although it was a bit strenuous, the beautiful scenery along the way made them feel that everything was worth it.

"Look, does that stone look like an eagle spreading its wings ready to fly?" Li Xiao said, pointing to a stone.

Zhang Yuedong and Lin Yifei looked in the direction he pointed and nodded in agreement. "It really looks like it. The wonders of nature are truly amazing," Lin Yifei exclaimed.

Then, they came to Yuping Rock. Yuping Rock has beautiful scenery, dense vegetation and fresh air. Standing on the top of the mountain, you can overlook the beauty of the entire Qixingyan Scenic Area. The water of Xinghu Lake sparkles with golden light under the sunshine, like a golden ribbon surrounding the seven peaks. The surrounding buildings are scattered and integrated with the natural landscape, forming a harmonious picture.

"This scenery is so spectacular!" Zhang Yuedong couldn't help but sigh, "I don't know how to describe my feelings at this moment."

Li Xiao also said with emotion: "Yes, this kind of beautiful scenery can only be felt by experiencing it in person."

Lin Yifei was quietly admiring the beautiful scenery, his heart filled with awe for nature.

The three of them came to Shishi Rock, which is one of the most distinctive peaks in Qixing Rock. There are many strange stalactites and stalagmites in the cave. Under the light, they present various wonderful shapes, some like upside-down lotus, some like running animals, and some like dancing fairies, making people feel as if they are in a fantasy world.

"Wow, these stalactites and stalagmites are so beautiful!" Zhang Yuedong exclaimed, his eyes wide open, afraid of missing any details.

Li Xiao kept taking photos of these peculiar landscapes. He said: "These stalactites and stalagmites were formed after tens of thousands of years of geological evolution. They are precious gifts bestowed upon us by nature."

Lin Yifei carefully observed the cliff carvings in the cave. He said: "These cliff carvings record the praise and emotion of scholars and writers of all ages for Qixingyan. They not only have artistic value, but also have high historical and cultural value."

The three walked slowly in the cave, admiring the beautiful landscapes and exclaiming from time to time. They also found some ancient inscriptions. Although some of the words were blurred, they could still feel the ancient people's love and praise for Qixingyan.

Hearing that the reclining Buddha holding the elixir at Qixingyan is a great wonder, the three decided to stay and wait for this beautiful sight. They came to the Buddha viewing platform, found a perfect location, and quietly waited for the sunset.

As time went by, the sun gradually set in the west, and the clouds in the sky were dyed orange-red, like a gorgeous painting. At this time, the reclining Buddha in the distance became clearer in the sunset, as if a giant was lying there quietly.

Suddenly, the sun slowly fell into the mouth of the reclining Buddha, forming a magical picture. "The reclining Buddha contains the elixir!" Zhang Yuedong shouted excitedly, his face filled with an excited smile.

Li Xiao and Lin Yifei were also shocked by the scene before their eyes. They raised their cameras to record this rare moment. "It's amazing! This is simply a masterpiece of nature!" Li Xiao exclaimed.

Lin Yifei also said: "This wonder can only be seen at a specific time and place. We are so lucky."

The three of them admired the beautiful scenery and marveled at the magic and greatness of nature. Their hearts were filled with awe and praise for nature.

After a day of sightseeing, the three people's stomachs were already rumbling. They came to the ZQ city area and prepared to taste the local delicacies. They walked into a restaurant and ordered Zhaoqing wrapped steamed rice dumplings, Zhaoqing lotus roots and other special dishes.

Soon, the dishes were served. Zhaoqing wrapped zongzi has a unique pyramid shape and is wrapped in jujube leaves. Zhang Yuedong couldn't wait to pick up a wrapped zongzi and took a bite. The soft and fragrant glutinous rice, the sticky green beans and the mellow pork belly blended in his mouth, with a rich taste and very delicious. "Well, this wrapped zongzi is so delicious, fragrant and sticky!" Zhang Yuedong praised it while eating.

Li Xiao also tasted it and nodded, saying, "It's really good. The taste is very different from the rice dumplings in our hometown."

Lin Yifei savored the lotus root from Zhaoqing carefully. The lotus root was soft and sticky, sweet and delicious. He said, "This lotus root is really delicious. It is worthy of being a specialty of Zhaoqing."

After dinner, they came to a square where a folk performance was being held. A group of people were performing lion dance, and the lion danced vividly to the sound of gongs and drums, sometimes jumping and sometimes rolling, winning rounds of applause from the audience.

"This lion dance performance is so wonderful!" Zhang Yuedong said excitedly, "This is the first time I have watched a lion dance performance so close."

Li Xiao was also attracted by the lion dance performance. He said: "Lion dance is a traditional folk culture of Guangdong. It is not only a performance, but also a symbol of spirit."

Lin Yifei showed great interest in the making of Duan inkstones. He walked up to a Duan inkstone maker and carefully watched the process of his making. The making process of Duan inkstones is complicated and requires multiple steps such as material selection, design, carving, and polishing. Lin Yifei was amazed by the artist's superb skills. He said: "Duan inkstone is one of the four famous inkstones in China. Its making process embodies the wisdom and hard work of the craftsmen. It is really an amazing work of art."

In the process of watching the folk performances, the three people deeply felt the charm of Zhaoqing's folk culture. They not only enjoyed the wonderful performances, but also learned a lot about Zhaoqing's history and culture.

After leaving the square, they came to a specialty store and bought some Duan inkstones, Zhaoshi and other specialties. Zhang Yuedong bought a few exquisite Duan inkstones to give to relatives and friends. Li Xiao bought some Zhaoshi. He said: "Zhaoshi has high nutritional value. I will take it back to nourish my family."

Lin Yifei also picked out some local specialties. He said: "These specialties are not only a gift, but also a wonderful memory of our trip."