Punch: From third-rate anchor to top chef

Chapter 1769

Lin Yifei also said with emotion: "Shanxi Opera is really an amazing art. It not only allows us to appreciate the wonderful performances, but also allows us to feel the traditional culture of Shanxi."

The Jin Opera performance lasted for more than two hours. Li Xiao, Zhang Yuedong and Lin Yifei were completely immersed in the world of Jin Opera and forgot the passage of time. After the performance, the audience gave warm applause and the actors bowed several times before slowly leaving the stage.

"This Jin Opera performance was so wonderful. It really opened my eyes," Li Xiao said excitedly.

Zhang Yuedong also said excitedly: "Yes, Jin Opera is indeed a cultural treasure of Shanxi. Its charm is really irresistible."

Lin Yifei said with a lingering feeling: "I really hope I can have the opportunity to watch another Jin Opera performance in the future."

Purchase specialties and preserve your memories of Taiyuan

In a blink of an eye, their journey in Taiyuan is about to end. Before leaving Taiyuan, Li Xiao, Zhang Yuedong and Lin Yifei decided to buy some local specialties as a souvenir of this trip.

They came to a specialty store, which was filled with a variety of Taiyuan specialties, which were dazzling, including Ninghuafu aged vinegar, Qingxu grapes, Liuweizhai marinated meat, Jinci rice, etc.

“This Ninghuafu aged vinegar is Taiyuan’s signature specialty. I must bring a few bottles back.” Zhang Yuedong picked up a bottle of aged vinegar and looked at it carefully.

Li Xiao also nodded in agreement: "Yes, Shanxi aged vinegar is famous all over the world, and this Ninghuafu aged vinegar is the best among them. Bring it back for your family and friends to taste."

Lin Yifei was picking Qingxu grapes on the side. "These Qingxu grapes look so fresh. I heard that the grapes here have thin skins, large grapes, and high sugar content. They must taste good."

In addition to vinegar and grapes, they also bought some Liuweizhai marinated pork and Jinci rice. Liuweizhai marinated pork is famous for its fat but not greasy, lean but not dry, crispy and fragrant taste, and is one of the traditional delicacies of Taiyuan. Jinci rice has a long history and was once a royal tribute. It is famous for its characteristic of "steaming seven times without getting mushy".

"These specialties are so unique. They will definitely be popular when I bring them back." Li Xiao said as he selected the specialties.

Zhang Yuedong smiled and said: "Yes, these specialties are not only delicious food, but also a symbol of Taiyuan culture. Let us bring these wonderful memories home."

Lin Yifei also said happily: "This trip is really fruitful. Not only did I enjoy the beautiful scenery and taste the delicious food, but I also learned about the history and culture of Taiyuan. These specialties are the best testimony to this."

With the enthusiastic help of the specialty store owner, they packed up the specialties they bought and left with a full harvest. Although they were about to leave Taiyuan, they were full of reluctance and nostalgia for this city.

"Taiyuan is such an unforgettable city. We will definitely come back if we have the chance in the future." Li Xiao said affectionately as he looked out the window at the street scene of Taiyuan.

Zhang Yuedong and Lin Yifei also nodded in agreement. They set off on a new journey with beautiful memories of Taiyuan and expectations for the next stop. Taiyuan's ancient charm, food, culture and specialties will always remain in their hearts and become a precious memory in their lives.

Exploring Yungang, a historical romance of Datong
After bidding farewell to Taiyuan, Li Xiao, Zhang Yuedong and Lin Yifei took the high-speed train to Datong. Along the way, they admired the ever-changing scenery outside the window, and were full of expectations for Datong, a famous historical and cultural city.

"I heard that Datong has a profound historical heritage and was once the capital of the Northern Wei Dynasty. There must be many places worth seeing." Zhang Yuedong said with anticipation.

Li Xiao excitedly echoed, "Yes, especially the Yungang Grottoes. I have long wanted to see those exquisite Buddha statues and murals with my own eyes."

Lin Yifei also smiled and said: "In addition to the beautiful scenery, Datong's food is also very famous. I can't wait to taste it."

The moment they stepped into Datong, they were immediately touched by the unique atmosphere of the city. The ancient city walls looked particularly solemn under the sunshine, and the buildings on both sides of the street were full of historical charm. After they arrived at the hotel they had booked and dropped off their luggage, they headed to the Yungang Grottoes without stopping.

Yungang Grottoes, a mysterious picture scroll of Buddhism
The Yungang Grottoes are located at the southern foot of Wuzhou Mountain in the western suburbs of DT City and the northern bank of Wuzhou River. From a distance, the grottoes carved into the mountain are magnificent, like a mysterious Buddhist world. When you enter the scenic area, the first thing that catches your eye is the Tan Yao Square, where stands the statue of the monk Tan Yao. His deep eyes seem to be telling the thousand-year history of the Yungang Grottoes.

"This is the eminent monk Tan Yao, the founder of the Yungang Grottoes." Zhang Yuedong introduced, pointing at the statue.

Li Xiao asked curiously: "Then why did he excavate the Yungang Grottoes?"

Zhang Yuedong explained: "During the Northern Wei Dynasty, Buddhism was prevalent. In order to spread Buddhism, the monk Tan Yao received support from Emperor Wencheng of the Northern Wei Dynasty and began to excavate the Yungang Grottoes. After several generations of efforts, this large-scale grotto complex was formed."

Walking along the Buddhist Avenue, the stone pillars on both sides of the road are carved with exquisite Buddha statues, as if guiding people to the Buddhist world. At the end of the avenue is Lingyan Temple, which is a simple and elegant temple built in the style of the Northern Wei Dynasty. The incense in the temple is curling, which makes people's hearts instantly peaceful.

"This Lingyan Temple is so beautiful. It feels different from other temples in style." Lin Yifei exclaimed.

Zhang Yuedong nodded and said, "Yes, it was built in the style of the Northern Wei Dynasty and retains many architectural features of that era."

After passing through Lingyan Temple, they arrived at the core area of ​​Yungang Grottoes. The Buddha statues and murals in the grottoes are dazzling and dazzling. They first walked into the fifth cave. The main Buddha in the cave is 17 meters high and is the largest Buddha statue in Yungang Grottoes. The Buddha statue has a kind face and his eyes are slightly closed, as if overlooking everything in the world.

"Wow, this Buddha statue is so magnificent, it is simply a work of art that surpasses that of nature." Li Xiao was so shocked by the Buddha statue in front of him that he was speechless.

Zhang Yuedong introduced: "The carving craftsmanship of this Buddha statue is very exquisite. Its facial expression, clothing texture and other details are portrayed vividly, reflecting the superb carving skills of the Northern Wei Dynasty."

Lin Yifei couldn't help but admire: "The wisdom of the ancients is really endless. In that era without modern tools, they were able to create such great works of art."

During the tour, they also saw many exquisite murals, which were rich in content, including Buddhist stories, flying fairies, secular life, etc., with bright colors, and still dazzling after thousands of years.

"These murals are so beautiful, each one is like a story," Li Xiao said, pointing to a mural. Zhang Yuedong said, "Yes, these murals not only have artistic value, but also reflect the social outlook and people's living conditions at that time, and are important materials for studying the history of the Northern Wei Dynasty."

Lin Yifei has a special liking for the flying fairies in the murals: "Look at these flying fairies, they are so graceful, as if they are dancing in the sky, so beautiful."

While appreciating the Buddha statues and murals, they listened to Zhang Yuedong's explanation and gained a deeper understanding of the history and culture of the Yungang Grottoes. Unconsciously, the sun gradually set in the west, and they reluctantly left the Yungang Grottoes.

Stroll through the ancient city and discover Datong delicacies

After returning to the downtown area of ​​DT from the Yungang Grottoes, it was already late, and Li Xiao, Zhang Yuedong and Lin Yifei's stomachs were already growling. They decided to go for a stroll in the ancient city of Datong and taste the local delicacies.

The ancient city of Datong is full of ancient charm, bright lights and a strong atmosphere of life. They walked on the stone road, feeling the unique charm of this ancient city. The shops on the street were filled with a variety of special snacks, the aroma was fragrant and made people salivate.

"Wow, there are so many delicious foods here. I don't know what to eat." Li Xiao's eyes widened as he looked at the dazzling array of delicious foods.

Zhang Yuedong said with a smile: "There are so many delicious foods in Datong. Let's try them one by one. First, we must try Datong's signature food - knife-cut noodles."

They walked into a knife-cut noodle restaurant, which was full of diners and very lively. Soon, three bowls of steaming knife-cut noodles were served on the table. The noodles were thick in the middle and thin on the sides, shaped like willow leaves, smooth on the outside and chewy on the inside, soft but not sticky, and more fragrant the more you chew. Paired with delicious soup and various seasonings, the taste was simply amazing.

"This knife-cut noodles is so delicious, better than any noodles I've ever eaten." Li Xiao praised it while eating.

Zhang Yuedong also nodded in agreement: "Yes, the uniqueness of Datong knife-cut noodles lies in its production process and taste. The chef uses a special blade to cut the dough into noodles and puts them directly into the pot, so that the noodles are cooked more chewy."

Lin Yifei ate with big mouthfuls, mumbling: "It's so satisfying, I feel like I can eat another bowl."

In addition to the sliced ​​noodles, they also tasted Datong's specialties such as mutton offal soup, Hunyuan jelly, Baihua steamed buns, etc. Each kind of food brought them a different taste experience and made them feel the unique charm of Datong's food culture.

"Datong's food is so rich and every one of them is so delicious." Li Xiao patted his round belly and said contentedly.

Zhang Yuedong said with a smile: "This is only part of Datong's delicacies. There are more delicacies waiting for us to discover."

Lin Yifei also said expectantly: "I'm so excited. I can't wait to continue our food journey."

Huayan Ancient Temple, listen to the historical Sanskrit

The next day, Li Xiao, Zhang Yuedong and Lin Yifei came to Huayan Temple. Huayan Temple is located in the southwest corner of Datong Ancient City. It is a Buddhist temple from the Liao and Jin Dynasties. It is also one of the earliest and most well-preserved Liao and Jin temple complexes in my country.

Before entering Huayan Temple, you can see the tall mountain gate and the ancient buildings, which make people feel a solemn atmosphere. When you enter the mountain gate, the first thing that comes into view is the Great Hall. The Great Hall is the main building of Huayan Temple. It is nine bays wide and five bays deep. It is large in scale and majestic. The Five Buddhas and Twenty Devas are enshrined in the hall. The Buddha statues are tall and solemn, with different expressions, which makes people feel awe.

"This Main Hall is so magnificent, it's worthy of being a building from the Liao and Jin Dynasties." Li Xiao looked up at the Main Hall and exclaimed.

Zhang Yuedong introduced: "The Great Hall of the Buddha is one of the largest Buddhist temples from the Liao and Jin dynasties in my country. It has a unique architectural style, integrating architectural elements from the Tang, Song, Liao and Jin dynasties, and has high historical and artistic value."

Lin Yifei looked around curiously: "I heard that there is a pair of glazed chiwen on the roof of this hall. It is the largest glazed chiwen in the country. I wonder where it is?"

Zhang Yuedong pointed to the roof of the main hall and said, "Right there, look, the pair of glazed chiwen are lifelike in shape and bright in color, very eye-catching. They not only serve as decoration, but also symbolize the elimination of disasters and the blessing of peace."

After leaving the Mahavira Hall, they came to the Bhagavad Gita Hall, which is the Sutra Hall of Huayan Temple. It was built in the seventh year of the Chongxi reign of the Liao Dynasty (1038). The hall preserves the Liao Dynasty Sutra Cabinet and 31 Liao Dynasty colored sculptures. These colored sculptures are beautifully shaped and lifelike, and are known as the "Oriental Venus".

Walking into the Bhagavad Gita Hall is like entering a palace of art. The Sutra Cabinet in the hall is exquisitely made with exquisite craftsmanship, and is carved with various exquisite patterns and designs. 31 Liao Dynasty colored sculptures are distributed on the altar in the hall. They are sitting or standing, smiling or meditating. Each colored sculpture seems to have its own life and emotions.

"These colored sculptures are so exquisite, they are simply treasures of art." Li Xiao was deeply attracted by the colored sculptures in front of him.

Zhang Yuedong introduced: "These colored sculptures are outstanding representatives of Liao Dynasty colored sculpture art. Their shapes, expressions, and costumes all reflect the artistic style and aesthetic concepts of the Liao Dynasty. Especially the statue of Bodhisattva with clasped hands and bare teeth, known as the 'Oriental Venus', has a sweet and moving smile that is unforgettable."

Lin Yifei couldn't help but admire: "The sculpture skills of the ancients were really superb. They were able to make these colored sculptures so lifelike, as if they were alive before our eyes."

During the tour of Huayan Temple, Li Xiao, Zhang Yuedong and Lin Yifei not only appreciated the exquisite architecture and colored sculptures, but also felt the profoundness of Buddhist culture. They listened quietly to the monks chanting in the temple, as if their souls had also been baptized.

Buy specialties and remember the times

The journey in Datong is coming to an end, Li Xiao, Zhang Yuedong and Lin Yifei decided to buy some local specialties as a souvenir of the trip. They came to a specialty store, which was filled with a variety of Datong specialties, which was dazzling.

"Datong has so many specialties. What should we buy?" Li Xiao looked at the dazzling array of specialties, feeling a little hesitant.

Zhang Yuedong thought for a moment and said, "Datong's yellow flowers are very famous. They are golden in color, thick and delicious. You can buy some to take back. There are also Yanggao apricot preserves, which are delicious, sweet but not greasy, and are also very good."

Lin Yifei also nodded in agreement: "Well, I think we can buy some more Datong paper-cuts. This is Datong's traditional handicraft, very exquisite."