Punch: From third-rate anchor to top chef

After leaving the Rose Products Store, they continued walking forward. Not far away, a shop displaying Lu embroidery caught their attention. As one of the "Eight Famous Embroideries" in China, Lu embroidery has a long history and unique style. The three of them walked into the shop, which was full of various exquisite Lu embroidery works, including colorful flower and bird paintings, lifelike figures, and exquisite handkerchiefs, screens, etc.

Zhang Yuedong was attracted by a landscape painting of Lu embroidery. He stood in front of the painting, staring at it for a long time, and exclaimed: "This Lu embroidery is so exquisite. The needlework and colors are absolutely amazing. Every stitch and every thread contains the hard work of the craftsman."

Li Xiao also nodded: "Yes, this Lu embroidery is not only beautiful, but also carries a profound cultural heritage. Buy one and hang it at home, it will be both beautiful and cultural."

Lin Yifei picked up a Lu embroidered handkerchief, carefully observed the pattern on it, and said: "This handkerchief is also very beautiful, with such fine workmanship, it is the perfect gift for female friends."

At this time, the shop owner came over and introduced with a smile: "Lu embroidery is a traditional embroidery craft in Shandong. It flourished in the Spring and Autumn Period and has a history of more than 2,000 years. It has various needlework techniques, simple and rich colors, and a rough yet delicate style. It can express the brush and ink effects of calligraphy and painting to the fullest. These works are all embroidered by our local embroiderers, and each one is unique."

After listening to the introduction of the proprietress, the three of them had a deeper understanding of Lu embroidery and cherished these exquisite works even more. Zhang Yuedong decided to buy the landscape painting, Li Xiao chose a Lu embroidery calligraphy work, and Lin Yifei bought a few handkerchiefs.

They continued to stroll along the specialty street and found many interesting specialties, such as Longshan millet, Mingshui fragrant rice, Changqing wooden fish stone, etc. Li Xiao bought some Longshan millet and said, "This Longshan millet is a tribute to the royal family of all dynasties. The porridge cooked with it must be very fragrant. I will take it back for my family to try."

Zhang Yuedong was very interested in Mingshui fragrant rice. He bought a bag and said with a smile, "I heard that when the rice is cooked with this rice, the fragrance spreads everywhere, and 'the fragrance spreads throughout the village'. I must try it myself when I get home."

Lin Yifei saw the exquisite wooden fish stone handicrafts and couldn't help but buy a wooden fish stone teapot and several teacups. He said: "It is said that brewing tea with this wooden fish stone teapot can make the tea taste better and has health benefits. It is very suitable for people who like to drink tea."

While shopping for special products, the three exchanged their views and feelings about them. They not only selected their favorite souvenirs for themselves, but also wanted to bring some gifts to their relatives and friends to share the joy of this trip.

Before they knew it, the sun was setting and the sunset dyed the sky red. The three of them left the specialty street with full shopping bags, feeling satisfied. Li Xiao said with emotion: "Today is really a fruitful day. Not only did we enjoy the beautiful scenery, taste the delicious food, watch the folk performances, but we also bought so many unique specialties."

Zhang Yuedong smiled and said: "Yes, Jinan is really a charming city. Every specialty represents its unique culture and history."

Lin Yifei looked into the distance and said expectantly, "I wonder what kind of surprises we will encounter at the next stop? I can't wait!"

With anticipation for the next stop, the three returned to the hotel to recharge their batteries for tomorrow's journey and prepare to face new challenges and beauty.

Seaside style: romantic time in Qingdao
After bidding farewell to Jinan, the three took the high-speed train to their next stop, Qingdao. Along the way, Li Xiao was as excited as a child, constantly looking out the window: "I heard Qingdao is a super beautiful coastal city, I can't wait to see the sea!"

Zhang Yuedong smiled and joked, "Look at your impatience. It will be here soon. I will let you see enough then."

Lin Yifei was also looking forward to it: "I really want to experience the seaside style of this city as soon as possible."

The train slowly pulled into Qingdao Station. As soon as I got off the train, a fresh sea breeze blew in my face, carrying a faint scent of seawater, which instantly made me feel relaxed and happy. Li Xiao took a deep breath and said loudly: "This is the taste of Qingdao, so comfortable!"

The three of them took the subway to the hotel they had booked. The hotel was located by the sea, and when they opened the window, they could see the endless sea. Li Xiao excitedly ran to the window and shouted, "It's great. I can see the sea as soon as I open my eyes. This feeling is simply too good!"

Zhang Yuedong also walked to the window and admired the beautiful scenery in front of him: "This sea view is so beautiful. It is worthy of being a coastal city. It lives up to its reputation."

Lin Yifei smiled and said, "Let's pack up quickly and go out for a stroll."

After a short rest, they came to the iconic attraction of Qingdao - the trestle bridge. The trestle bridge was bustling with people. In the distance, the Little Qingdao Lighthouse stood on the sea, like a watcher, silently guarding this sea area. On the sea, flocks of seagulls circled in the air. Sometimes they swooped down to catch fish and shrimp close to the sea surface; sometimes they flapped their wings and flew high, shuttling and playing between the blue sky and white clouds. Li Xiao took out the bread, tore it into small pieces, and threw it into the air. A group of seagulls immediately swarmed up, competing for food, which attracted bursts of laughter from the surrounding tourists.

"These seagulls are so cute. It seems that they are not afraid of people at all." Li Xiao said happily.

Zhang Yuedong smiled and said: "Yes, the seagulls in Qingdao get along very well with humans. They have become a beautiful landscape of the city."

Lin Yifei also took out his camera and captured the wonderful moment of the seagull: "This scene is so interesting, I must record it."

Walking along the pier, they admired the sea views on both sides. The waves gently hit the piers of the pier, making pleasant sounds, as if playing a wonderful symphony. The sea breeze blew on their faces, bringing a hint of coolness, making people feel more comfortable. After a while, they came to the end of the pier, where the view was wider and the beautiful scenery of the sea was in full view. In the distance, the sea and the sky met, the blue sky and the green sea merged into one, and it was hard to tell where the sky was and where the sea was. The sun shone on the sea, sparkling, like countless diamonds shining.

"The scenery is so stunning that I am at a loss for words and don't know how to describe its beauty." Li Xiao couldn't help but sigh.

Zhang Yuedong was also intoxicated by the beautiful scenery before his eyes: "Yes, the magnificence of the sea can only be experienced in person."

Lin Yifei looked at the sea and said with emotion: "In front of the sea, we humans are so small, but the sea has infinite power and charm."

After leaving the trestle, they headed to Badaguan. Badaguan is a famous historical and cultural district in Qingdao. It is home to many buildings of different styles, including Gothic, Romanesque, Baroque, etc. It is known as the "International Architecture Expo". They strolled along the streets of Badaguan, admiring these ancient and exquisite buildings. Each building has a unique shape and style. They are scattered on both sides of the street, set off by the surrounding green trees, flowers and plants, forming a beautiful picture.

"These buildings are so beautiful, each one is like a work of art," Li Xiao exclaimed.

Zhang Yuedong nodded: "Yes, these buildings not only have high artistic value, but also carry the history and culture of Qingdao. They have witnessed the development and changes of this city and are Qingdao's precious wealth." Lin Yifei said on the side: "Walking on these streets, it feels like traveling back in time and feeling the atmosphere of that era."

They came to Huashilou, a castle-style building that combines multiple European architectural styles. It is named because the walls inside the building are mostly made of marble and the exterior is covered with granite. Huashilou has an elegant and solemn appearance, and the interior is exquisitely decorated, with a strong artistic atmosphere. The three of them walked into Huashilou, visited each room, admired the furniture, murals and sculptures inside, and felt the unique charm of this building.

"This Huashilou is so beautiful. It must be very comfortable to live in it." Li Xiao said enviously.

Zhang Yuedong smiled and said, "This Huashilou used to be the residence of high-ranking officials and nobles, and ordinary people couldn't afford to live there. But now we can come in and visit, which is a kind of luck."

Lin Yifei said on the side: "This building not only has a unique architectural style, but also has many historical stories and legends, which makes people full of curiosity."

After leaving Huashilou, they continued to play in Badaguan. Unconsciously, the sky gradually darkened, and the afterglow of the setting sun sprinkled on the buildings of Badaguan, covering these ancient buildings with a layer of golden coat, making them more mysterious and charming. Li Xiao looked at the beautiful scenery in front of him and said with emotion: "Today is really fulfilling. I saw so many beautiful scenery and felt the unique charm of Qingdao."

Zhang Yuedong said with a smile: "This is only part of Qingdao. There are more exciting places waiting for us."

Lin Yifei also said with anticipation: "Yes, I am really looking forward to tomorrow's journey. I wonder what kind of surprises there will be."

The three found a restaurant near Badaguan, ready to taste Qingdao's specialties. Entering the restaurant, they ordered Qingdao famous dishes such as spicy fried clams, Spanish mackerel dumplings, and seaweed jelly. After a while, the dishes were served one after another. The spicy fried clams were bright red in color and fragrant, and the clam meat was tender and juicy, and tasted spicy and addictive; the Spanish mackerel dumplings had a thin skin and large fillings. When you take a bite, the tender Spanish mackerel meat and the delicious soup spread in your mouth, leaving you with an endless aftertaste; the seaweed jelly had a smooth texture and a faint smell of the sea, which was unique.

"This spicy fried clams is so delicious, spicy and fresh, and the clam meat is also very fresh." Li Xiao praised it while eating.

Zhang Yuedong also ate with gusto: "These Spanish mackerel dumplings are also good, delicious, and worthy of being a specialty of Qingdao."

Lin Yifei has a special liking for seaweed jelly: "This seaweed jelly has a very special taste, it's cool and smooth, and it tastes very refreshing."

After tasting the delicious food, they took a walk around Badaguan and felt the nightlife of Qingdao. Badaguan was quiet and peaceful at night, and the lights on the street were soft and warm, adding a romantic atmosphere to this historical and cultural district. They strolled along the street, admiring the night buildings and scenery, enjoying this rare quiet time.

"The night in Qingdao is so beautiful, and it has a different charm from the daytime." Li Xiao said with emotion.

Zhang Yuedong smiled and said: "Yes, Badaguan is more peaceful and romantic at night, which makes people feel very relaxed."

Lin Yifei also nodded in agreement: "Today is a really wonderful day, I hope tomorrow will be so happy too."

With anticipation for tomorrow, the three returned to the hotel, ending this pleasant day's journey.

Wonders of Mountains and Seas: Exploring Laoshan

On the second day in Qingdao, the three decided to go to Laoshan, known as the "No. 1 Famous Mountain on the Sea", to explore the mysterious and charming mountain and sea scenery.

Early in the morning, they took the subway to the Laoshan Tourist Service Center. Along the way, Li Xiao excitedly flipped through the Laoshan travel guide and kept introducing the attractions of Laoshan to Zhang Yuedong and Lin Yifei: "I heard that the Taiqing Palace in Laoshan has a long history, with many precious ancient trees and cultural relics; and the giant peak of Laoshan, with an altitude of 1133 meters, standing on the top of the mountain, you can overlook the entire QD city and the sea, the scenery must be very spectacular!"

Zhang Yuedong smiled and said, "You have done enough homework. It seems that there are many surprises waiting for us today."

Lin Yifei also said with anticipation: "Yes, I really hope to appreciate the charm of Laoshan soon."

After arriving at the tourist service center, they bought tickets and sightseeing bus tickets and took the sightseeing bus to the Taiqing Palace scenic area. Along the way, the scenery outside the window was picturesque, with green mountains and clear waters, and overlapping peaks, which made them dazzled. Li Xiao couldn't help but take out his camera and kept taking pictures outside the window: "This scenery is so beautiful, any shot is a blockbuster!"

Zhang Yuedong looked at the beautiful scenery outside the window and said with emotion: "No wonder the ancients said 'Although Mount Tai is high, it is not as high as Laoshan in the East China Sea'. The scenery of Mount Laoshan is indeed unique, with both the majesty of the mountain and the vastness of the sea."

Lin Yifei also nodded in agreement: "Also, Laoshan has a profound Taoist cultural heritage. When we get to Taiqing Palace later, we must experience it carefully."

After a while, the sightseeing bus arrived at the Taiqing Palace scenic area. As soon as we got off the bus, an ancient and elegant Taoist temple came into view. Taiqing Palace is located on the mountain and faces the sea. It is magnificent, with red walls and green tiles, and looks particularly solemn under the sunshine. The Taoist temple is surrounded by towering ancient trees and shady green trees, as if isolating the hustle and bustle of the world.

The three of them walked into Taiqing Palace, and the first thing they saw was a huge ancient tree with a thick trunk and lush branches and leaves, like a huge green umbrella. Li Xiao walked up curiously and checked the introduction sign next to the tree: "This tree is called Longtou Elm, which was planted by Li Zhexuan, a Taoist priest in the Tang Dynasty. It has a history of more than 1000 years!"

Zhang Yuedong exclaimed: "For more than 1000 years, this is simply a witness to history!"

Lin Yifei couldn't help but sigh: "It's amazing that this tree has gone through thousands of years of wind and rain and is still full of vitality."

They continued to tour the Taiqing Palace, visiting the Sanqing Hall, Sanhuang Hall, Sanguan Hall and other buildings. Each building has a unique style and profound cultural connotations. There are many statues of gods in the hall, and the incense is lingering, solemn and solemn. In the Sanqing Hall, Li Xiao looked at the tall statues in the hall, and a feeling of awe surged in his heart: "These statues are carved lifelike, and the skills of the ancients are really superb." (End of this chapter)