Punch: From third-rate anchor to top chef

Chapter 1778

The sun shines through the mottled leaves and falls on the faces of Li Xiao, Zhang Yuedong and Lin Yifei. They stand at the exit of Jinan Yaoqiang International Airport and take a deep breath. The air is filled with the unique atmosphere of this city. A long-awaited trip to Shandong has begun.

"We're finally in Jinan. I can't wait to see those famous attractions!" Li Xiao waved the map in his hand excitedly, his eyes sparkling with excitement.

Zhang Yuedong smiled and patted Li Xiao on the shoulder: "Don't worry, don't worry, we have plenty of time to stroll around. Jinan is a city full of charm, we have to savor it."

Lin Yifei quietly looked at everything around him, with a slight smile on his face: "Yes, this place feels very different from where we usually live. It has a strong historical and cultural atmosphere."

The three of them took a taxi to the hotel they booked, enjoying the street view of Jinan along the way. The willow trees on both sides of the road swayed in the wind, as if telling them the story of this city. The high-rise buildings and ancient buildings intertwined with each other, showing the unique urban style of Jinan.

After checking in, they took a short rest and headed straight to their first destination, Daming Lake. When they arrived at the entrance of Daming Lake Scenic Area, a picturesque scene came into view. The lake was sparkling, and the Lixia Pavilion in the distance was looming under the shade of green trees. On the lake, lotus leaves were crowded together, and lotus flowers stood tall and graceful. Some were fully bloomed, revealing tender yellow stamens; some were still buds, looking so full that they were about to burst.

"Lotus flowers on four sides and willows on three sides, half of the city is covered with mountains and half is covered with lakes. It really lives up to its reputation!" Li Xiao couldn't help but sigh.

Zhang Yuedong nodded: "This scenery is so beautiful, it's like walking into an ink painting."

Lin Yifei picked up his camera and kept pressing the shutter button, wanting to record this beautiful moment: "Such a beautiful scenery, I must take more photos and show them to my friends when I get back."

They strolled along the lake, feeling the gentle breeze and breathing the fresh air. The weeping willows by the lake were swaying, and their slender branches hung down on the water, creating ripples. From time to time, a cruise ship passed by them, and the tourists on the boats laughed and enjoyed this pleasant time.

As they walked, they came to the Lixia Pavilion. The red pillars and green tiles of the Lixia Pavilion are simple and elegant. There are many poems and couplets left by literati in the pavilion, the most famous of which is Du Fu's "This pavilion on the right side of the sea is ancient, and there are many famous people in Jinan." Li Xiao read these poems carefully and felt the charm of history.

"This used to be a gathering place for ancient literati and scholars. It's such an honor to be able to feel their atmosphere here." Li Xiao said with emotion.

Zhang Yuedong smiled and said: "Yes, these poems are not only literary treasures, but also witnesses of Jinan's history and culture."

Lin Yifei said at the side: "Let's take a photo here, it can be regarded as an intimate contact with history."

After leaving Lixia Pavilion, they continued to walk along the lake. After a while, they arrived at Tiegong Temple. Tiegong Temple was built to commemorate Tie Xuan, the Minister of War in the Ming Dynasty. Tie Xuan's life story and some cultural relics are displayed in the temple. The three of them walked into the temple and carefully visited each exhibit to learn about Tie Xuan's heroic deeds.

"Tie Xuan is truly an amazing hero. He was willing to sacrifice his life to defend Jinan. This spirit deserves our admiration." Li Xiao said with admiration.

Zhang Yuedong nodded: "His deeds have given us a deeper understanding of Jinan's history. This city not only has beautiful scenery, but also has a profound cultural heritage."

Lin Yifei looked at Tie Xuan's portrait and said thoughtfully: "We should remember these heroes, they are the backbone of the city."

After visiting the Tiegong Temple, the sky gradually darkened. The night view of Daming Lake is also unique. The cruise ships on the lake are all lit up with colorful lights, like stars. The pavilions and towers by the lake are also decorated with lights and are particularly beautiful, reflecting each other with the lake, forming a colorful picture.

"I didn't expect the night view of Daming Lake to be so beautiful. It's really intoxicating." Li Xiao couldn't help but admire.

Zhang Yuedong said with a smile: "This is just the first stop in Jinan. There are more exciting places waiting for us later."

Lin Yifei looked at the beautiful scenery in front of him, his heart full of anticipation: "Yes, I am really looking forward to the next journey."

The three found a restaurant by the lake and prepared to taste the specialties of Jinan. They ordered sweet and sour carp, nine-turn large intestine, oil twist and other famous Jinan dishes. After a while, the dishes were served one after another. The sweet and sour carp was bright red in color, crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, and sweet and sour in taste; the nine-turn large intestine was ruddy in color, soft and tender in texture, and had five flavors of sour, sweet, fragrant, spicy and salty; the oil twist had a crispy skin, tender inside, and a fragrant onion.

"This sweet and sour carp is so delicious. The meat is tender and the taste is just the right amount of sweet and sour. It is really a delicious dish." Li Xiao praised it while eating.

Zhang Yuedong also ate with gusto: "This nine-turn large intestine is also good, with a mellow taste and unique flavor."

Lin Yifei has a special liking for oil twists: "This oil twist is really delicious, crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, with a strong onion flavor."

After tasting the delicious food, they strolled around Daming Lake and felt the nightlife of Jinan. Jinan was very lively at night, with bright lights and people coming and going on the streets. The shops were filled with various special products, attracting tourists to stop and choose.

"Today was a really fulfilling day. Not only did I enjoy the beautiful scenery of Daming Lake, but I also tasted the delicious Jinan cuisine." Li Xiao said with satisfaction.

Zhang Yuedong smiled and said: "Yes, this is just the beginning of our trip to Shandong. There are more exciting things waiting for us later."

Lin Yifei looked at the bustling streets and said expectantly, "I'm really looking forward to tomorrow's journey. I wonder what kind of surprises will be waiting for us."

With anticipation for tomorrow, the three returned to the hotel, rested early, and prepared to embark on a new day of journey.

The Grand View of the Spring City: Baotu Spring and Daming Lake
The morning sun gently sprinkled on the streets and alleys of Jinan, awakening this charming city. Li Xiao, Zhang Yuedong and Lin Yifei got up early, washed up, and headed to their next destination, Baotu Spring. They were full of anticipation, laughing and talking along the way, discussing the "No. 1 Spring in the World" that they were about to see.

When they arrived at the entrance of Baotu Spring Scenic Area, they saw people coming and going, and it was very lively. Tourists came here one after another, wanting to see the charm of Baotu Spring. When they entered the scenic area, a fresh breath hit them, and the air was filled with a faint mist. Walking along the winding path, they first saw a clear spring. The spring water was so clear that the sand and fish at the bottom of the water were clearly visible. The weeping willows beside the spring were swaying, and the slender willow branches hung down on the water, as if whispering to the spring water.

"This spring water is so clear, it feels like you can drink it directly." Li Xiao couldn't help but sigh.

Zhang Yuedong smiled and said, "The water from Baotu Spring is of very high quality. It is said that when Emperor Qianlong visited the south of the Yangtze River, he was full of praise for the spring water here and named it the 'best spring in the world'." Lin Yifei nodded, "Yes, the spring water is not only clear, but the water temperature remains at around 18℃ all year round, warm in winter and cool in summer, which is very magical."

Continuing forward, they finally arrived at the main spring pool of Baotu Spring. Three springs were constantly gushing out spring water, splashing water and forming beautiful arcs. The spring water gushed out from the ground, making a "gurgling" sound, as if playing a beautiful piece of music. The spring pool was surrounded by tourists, and everyone took out their cameras and mobile phones to record this spectacular scene.

"This is the legendary Baotu Spring, it really lives up to its reputation! The momentum of the gushing spring water is so shocking." Li Xiao said excitedly.

Zhang Yuedong was also attracted by the beautiful scenery: "Look at this spring, it's like three white water columns rushing straight up from the ground to the sky. It's really a masterpiece of nature."

While taking photos, Lin Yifei said: "This beautiful scenery of 'Baotu Tengkong' is really worth seeing. Standing here, it seems that I can feel the infinite power of nature."

At the Baotu Spring, they also saw many poems and couplets left by literati. These poems not only praised the beautiful scenery of Baotu Spring, but also expressed their love for the city. Li Xiao read each poem carefully, feeling the charm and artistic conception.

"These poems are so well written, they describe the beauty of Baotu Spring vividly," Li Xiao said with emotion.

Zhang Yuedong smiled and said: "Yes, Baotu Spring is not only a natural landscape, but also a cultural treasure house. These poems and couplets are the best testimony to its profound cultural heritage."

Lin Yifei said at the side: "Let's take a picture here, so that we can appreciate these poems and recall the good times today when we go back."

After leaving Baotu Spring, they visited other famous springs such as Shuyu Spring, Jinxian Spring, Mapao Spring, etc. Each spring has its own unique charm, some are crystal clear, some are sparkling, and some have pleasant sounds. They strolled among the springs, feeling the agility and vitality of the springs, as if they were in a dreamlike world.

"The springs here are so varied and each has its own characteristics," Li Xiao exclaimed.

Zhang Yuedong nodded: "Yes, this Baotu Spring group is worthy of being the first of the four major spring groups in Jinan. It is a gathering place of famous springs and is extremely beautiful."

Lin Yifei smiled and said, "We are really feasting our eyes today. The beauty of these springs is intoxicating."

Before they knew it, it was already noon. They felt a little hungry, so they decided to try some Jinan specialties at a restaurant near the scenic spot. When they walked into the restaurant, a strong aroma hit their noses. They ordered Jinan's traditional specialties - sweet and sour carp, fried squid and sweet rice. Soon, the dishes were served one after another.

The sweet and sour carp is bright red in color, crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, and sweet and sour in taste. The fish body is cut into even pieces, fried until golden and crispy, and then poured with a layer of sweet and sour sauce, which makes people salivate at the sight. Li Xiao picked up a piece of fish meat, put it in his mouth, and was immediately conquered by the delicious taste.

"This sweet and sour carp is so delicious. The fish meat is tender and juicy, and the sauce has the right sweet and sour taste. It is really a delicious dish." Li Xiao praised it highly.

Zhang Yuedong also ate it with gusto: "This fried dough stick is also good, with a crispy outer skin, tender inner flesh, and a strong onion flavor."

Lin Yifei has a special liking for Tianmo: "This Tianmo has a delicate texture and a mellow taste. It also contains peanuts, vermicelli and other ingredients, and is rich in nutrition."

After tasting the delicious food, they took a short break and went to Daming Lake. Daming Lake is not far from Baotu Spring. They walked for more than ten minutes to reach it. When they came to Daming Lake again, they found that the scenery here was different from yesterday evening. The sun shone on the lake, sparkling like a huge mirror. On the lake, lotus leaves were crowded together, and lotus flowers stood tall and graceful, like a beautiful painting.

"The scenery of Daming Lake is so beautiful. It has different charms during the day and at night." Li Xiao exclaimed.

Zhang Yuedong smiled and said, "Yes, Daming Lake is brighter and more beautiful during the day, which makes people feel happy."

Lin Yifei looked at the beautiful scenery in front of him, his heart full of emotion: "This beautiful scenery of 'lotus flowers on four sides and willows on three sides, mountains in one city and lakes in half of the city' is really intoxicating."

They strolled along the lake, enjoying the beautiful scenery around them. The weeping willows by the lake swayed in the wind, as if showing their beauty to the tourists. On the lake, cruise ships came and went, and tourists sat on the boats, enjoying the beautiful scenery of the lake and mountains, with laughter echoing on the lake.

As they walked, they came to the Lixia Pavilion in Daming Lake. Lixia Pavilion is located on the island in the middle of Daming Lake and is an ancient building with a long history. There are many poems and couplets left by literati in the pavilion, the most famous of which is Du Fu's "This pavilion on the right side of the sea is ancient, and there are many famous people in Jinan". Li Xiao and others walked into the pavilion and felt the charm of history.

"This used to be a gathering place for ancient literati and scholars. It's such an honor to be able to feel their atmosphere here." Li Xiao said with emotion.

Zhang Yuedong nodded: "Yes, these poems are not only literary treasures, but also witnesses of Jinan's history and culture."

Lin Yifei said at the side: "Let's take a photo here, it can be regarded as an intimate contact with history."

After leaving Lixia Pavilion, they visited Tiegong Temple, Nanfeng Temple and other scenic spots. Each scenic spot has a unique historical background and cultural connotation, which gave them a deeper understanding of the city of Jinan.

During their visit to Daming Lake, they also watched a wonderful folk performance. The performance included Shandong Kuaishu, Lv Opera, acrobatics and other programs. The actors' superb skills won rounds of applause from the audience. Li Xiao and others watched with great interest and laughed from time to time at the wonderful performances of the actors.

"This folk performance is so wonderful. It allows us to feel the charm of Shandong's traditional culture." Li Xiao said excitedly.

Zhang Yuedong also nodded in agreement: "Yes, these performances are not only interesting, but also allow us to understand the history and culture of Shandong."

Lin Yifei said with a smile: "This trip is really worth it. Not only did I enjoy the beautiful scenery, but I also tasted delicious food and watched wonderful performances."

Unconsciously, the sky gradually darkened. They bought some Jinan specialties at a specialty store near Daming Lake, such as Baotu Spring tea, Jinan paper-cutting, Lu embroidery, etc. These specialties are not only commemorative, but also allow them to bring back good memories of Jinan.