Punch: From third-rate anchor to top chef

Chapter 1801

"Wow, there's so much delicious food here! I don't know what to eat!" Zhang Yuedong exclaimed excitedly, looking at the abundance of food on the street.

Lin Yifei said with a smile, "Then let's have a little of everything and try it all."

Li Xiao nodded in agreement: "Great! Coming to Changsha is all about enjoying the food."

They first visited a stinky tofu shop. Changsha stinky tofu is a traditional specialty snack from Changsha, Hunan Province, and can be found everywhere in the streets and alleys of Changsha. The owner skillfully placed pieces of black stinky tofu into the oil, and in no time, the tofu was fried until golden brown and crispy, emitting an enticing aroma. The owner then scooped the fried tofu out, placed it on a plate, poured on a special sauce, and sprinkled it with chopped green onions and cilantro. A delicious serving of stinky tofu was ready.

"Come on, try some stinky tofu from Changsha. It smells bad, but tastes delicious." Li Xiao picked up a piece of stinky tofu, put it in his mouth, and a satisfied expression appeared on his face.

Zhang Yuedong and Lin Yifei also tried it. At first, they hesitated a bit, but after taking a bite, they were won over by the deliciousness of the stinky tofu. "Wow, this stinky tofu is really delicious, crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, spicy and flavorful," Zhang Yuedong praised.

Lin Yifei nodded and said, "Yes, I never dared to eat stinky tofu before, but I didn't expect it to be so delicious. It's such a pleasant surprise."

Next, they sampled the spicy crayfish. Changsha spicy crayfish is a specialty of Changsha, a favorite dish among almost all locals. A large bowl of bright red crayfish was brought to the table; the crayfish were plump, their color enticing, and they emitted a rich, spicy aroma. The three of them eagerly picked up a crayfish, peeled off the shell, revealing tender, juicy meat. Dipping it in the sauce, they put it in their mouths; the crayfish meat was springy, smooth, and spicy—utterly irresistible.

"This crayfish is so delicious! It's fragrant and spicy, it's simply heavenly!" Zhang Yuedong kept praising it as he ate the crayfish.

Lin Yifei's face was flushed from eating, and he exclaimed that it was so delicious: "It's so spicy, but it's really so delicious, I can't stop eating."

Li Xiao smiled and said, "Don't rush, eat slowly, there's plenty of delicious food waiting for us."

Besides stinky tofu and spicy crayfish, they also sampled local delicacies such as Changsha rice noodles, sister dumplings, and sugar-coated glutinous rice cakes. Each dish had a unique flavor, satisfying their appetites. "Changsha's food is so abundant, everything is delicious, I feel like my stomach is about to burst," Zhang Yuedong said, patting his stomach with satisfaction.

Lin Yifei also laughed and said, "Yes, this trip to Changsha was worthwhile just because of the delicious food."

Li Xiao said, "Then let's continue exploring Changsha's food scene tomorrow and try all the dishes we haven't tried yet."

Folk Experience: Feel the vibrant atmosphere of Changsha

After enjoying the delicious food, the three decided to experience Changsha's folk culture. They visited the Huogongdian Temple, which is not only a temple dedicated to the fire god, but also a place that integrates folk culture, food culture, and opera culture.

Stepping into the Huogongdian (Fire Palace), one is greeted by a bustling crowd and vibrant atmosphere. A dazzling array of traditional handicrafts are on display, and folk artists showcase their skills, creating a captivating spectacle. On stage, a Xiang opera performance is underway, with actors in magnificent costumes, their beautiful singing and delicate movements perfectly capturing the unique charm of Xiang opera.

"This Hunan opera is so wonderful! It's my first time seeing a live Hunan opera performance." Li Xiao was captivated by the performance on stage, watching intently.

Zhang Yuedong nodded and said, "Yes, Xiang Opera is one of the traditional opera genres in Hunan, with a long history and rich cultural connotations."

Lin Yifei said curiously, "I can't understand what they're singing, but it seems very interesting."

At the Fire Palace, they also watched a dragon and lion dance performance. Dragon and lion dances are traditional Chinese folk arts, performed during festivals and celebrations to pray for peace and good fortune. The dragon dance team members, holding dragon props, soared and tumbled, the dragon's body undulating with their movements, lifelike and vivid. The lion dance team members were equally agile, perfectly imitating the various expressions and movements of the lions, winning rounds of applause and cheers from the audience.

"This dragon and lion dance is amazing! The team members' skills are truly superb." Zhang Yuedong clapped and cheered excitedly.

Lin Yifei also said excitedly, "Yes, it made my blood boil and I felt full of energy."

Li Xiao smiled and said, "This is the charm of folk culture. It allows us to feel the strong festive atmosphere and the profoundness of traditional culture."

Specialty Products Shopping: Bring the Taste of Changsha Home
On their last day in Changsha, the three decided to buy some local specialties to bring the taste of Changsha home. They went to Huangxing Road Pedestrian Street, one of Changsha's most bustling commercial streets and a great place to buy local products.

The pedestrian street was lined with shops selling all sorts of local specialties. Their first stop was a Hunan embroidery shop. Hunan embroidery is one of China's four major embroidery styles, renowned worldwide for its exquisite craftsmanship and unique style. The Hunan embroidery pieces in the shop were vibrant in color, delicate in stitching, and beautifully patterned, making them irresistible.

"This Hunan embroidery is so beautiful; each piece is like a work of art," Li Xiao exclaimed as she looked at the Hunan embroidery pieces in the shop.

Zhang Yuedong nodded and said, "Yes, Hunan embroidery is a traditional handicraft of Hunan, with high artistic and collectible value."

Lin Yifei picked out a Hunan embroidery handkerchief and said, "I want to give this to my mother; she will definitely like it."

Next, they came to a shop selling Liuyang fermented black beans. Liuyang fermented black beans are a specialty of Liuyang City, Henan Province. They are a traditional fermented soybean product with a unique flavor and nutritional value. "These Liuyang fermented black beans smell so good! They must be delicious in cooking," Zhang Yuedong said, picking up a bag of fermented black beans and smelling it.

Li Xiao also said, "Yes, I'll buy a few packs to take home for my family and friends to try."

Lin Yifei smiled and said, "I also want to buy some local specialties from Changsha, like stinky tofu and sugar-coated glutinous rice cakes, to take back so they can also taste the flavors of Changsha."

On Huangxing Road Pedestrian Street, they also bought other local specialties, such as Junshan Silver Needle tea, Anhua black tea, and Linwu duck. Everyone returned home laden with purchases, their faces beaming with happiness. "This trip to Changsha was so enjoyable! We not only enjoyed the beautiful scenery and delicious food, but also experienced the folk culture and bought so many local specialties," Zhang Yuedong said contentedly. Lin Yifei nodded in agreement, saying, "Yes, Changsha is truly an unforgettable city. I want to come back again."

Li Xiao smiled and said, "Okay, let's come to Changsha again next time and continue to explore more of the city's wonders."

With a wealth of memories and local specialties, the three concluded their journey in Changsha and embarked on their road to the next city. They looked forward to the next exciting trip and to continuing to leave their mark on this beautiful land of Hunan.

Zhangjiajie: A Fairyland of Unique Peaks and Rocks

Having bid farewell to the vibrant city of Changsha, Li Xiao, Zhang Yuedong, and Lin Yifei embarked on their journey to Zhangjiajie with great anticipation. Along the way, they enthusiastically discussed the beautiful scenery of Zhangjiajie, their hearts filled with longing for this magical land. "I've heard that the mountains of Zhangjiajie are strangely shaped, like a fairyland. I wonder if it's true?" Zhang Yuedong asked excitedly.

Lin Yifei responded with great anticipation: "It must be spectacular. I've seen a lot of photos online, and those mountains are simply breathtaking. I'm so glad I can finally see them in person."

Li Xiao said with a smile, "Yes, and there are many fun places in Zhangjiajie. We must have a great time this time."

When they arrived in Zhangjiajie, the scene before them left them speechless with amazement. The rolling mountains, shrouded in mist, appeared and disappeared like a traditional Chinese ink painting slowly unfolding. The peaks were of various shapes and sizes; some resembled swords piercing the sky, others camels lying peacefully on the earth, and still others fairies standing gracefully, prompting sighs of awe at the wonders of nature. "Wow, this is so beautiful! It's like stepping into a fairyland!" Zhang Yuedong exclaimed excitedly.

Lin Yifei's eyes widened as he took photos incessantly: "This scenery is even more beautiful than I imagined. I don't even know how to describe it."

Li Xiao took a deep breath, enjoying the fresh air: "Zhangjiajie truly lives up to its reputation; the rest of the journey is sure to be very exciting."

Zhangjiajie National Forest Park: Nature's masterpiece
After a short rest, the three couldn't wait to arrive at Zhangjiajie National Forest Park. This is the core scenic area of ​​Zhangjiajie, boasting a unique sandstone peak forest landform, and is known as "an enlarged bonsai, a miniature fairyland".

Upon entering the park, they were immediately captivated by the breathtaking scenery. Strange peaks and rocks rose abruptly from the ground, their shapes varied and captivating. "A trip to Zhangjiajie is incomplete without visiting Huangshi Village," they thought, and Huangshi Village was their first stop. Huangshi Village is one of the most scenic areas in Zhangjiajie National Forest Park, offering panoramic views from its summit overlooking the entire peak forest landscape. Climbing the steep mountain path, they were somewhat tired, but the stunning scenery along the way made them forget their fatigue. Every so often, looking back revealed different vistas; the mountains, illuminated by the sunlight, appeared even more majestic and awe-inspiring.

Finally reaching the top of Huangshi Village, the view before them left them speechless with amazement. The endless, rolling peaks, sometimes visible, sometimes hidden in the clouds, resembled a fairyland. "This scenery is absolutely breathtaking! I finally understand why they say a trip to Zhangjiajie is incomplete without visiting Huangshi Village," Li Xiao exclaimed.

Zhang Yuedong nodded in agreement: "Yes, standing here, I feel as if I am in a painting. These mountains are like works of art carefully sculpted by nature."

Lin Yifei looked around excitedly: "I want to take pictures of this beautiful scenery and show it to my friends when I get back." As he spoke, he kept pressing the shutter, wanting to preserve this beautiful moment forever.

After leaving Huangshi Village, they arrived at Jinbian Stream. Jinbian Stream is a winding stream with towering peaks on both sides. Its crystal-clear water makes it an ideal place for hiking and sightseeing. Strolling along the path beside the stream, listening to the babbling water and feeling the fresh air, felt like stepping into a paradise. Sunlight filtered through the leaves, shimmering on the surface of the stream, creating a beautiful, sparkling effect. Small fish and shrimp swam happily in the water, and occasionally, a few small crabs could be seen scurrying under the rocks by the stream.

"The water in Jinbian Stream is so clear, you can even see the stones and small fish at the bottom." Zhang Yuedong squatted by the stream and reached out to touch the cool water.

Lin Yifei smiled and said, "Yes, it's a real treat to take a walk here. It makes me feel relaxed, both physically and mentally."

Li Xiao admired the peaks and forests on both sides of the river: "Look, these peaks are reflected in the water, just like a landscape painting. It's so beautiful."

Along the Golden Whip Stream, they also saw many unique peaks, such as the Golden Whip Rock and the Divine Eagle Protecting the Whip. The Golden Whip Rock rises abruptly from the ground, piercing the clouds, like a giant golden whip; the Divine Eagle Protecting the Whip is a lifelike divine eagle guarding the Golden Whip Rock. Their realistic forms inspire awe at the wonders of nature. "The Golden Whip Rock and the Divine Eagle Protecting the Whip are so alike! Nature is truly amazing, creating such a unique landscape," Zhang Yuedong exclaimed.

Lin Yifei nodded and said, "Yes, these mountains are like mysterious stories, waiting for us to explore and discover them."

Li Xiao smiled and said, "We came to Zhangjiajie this time to explore these mysterious stories and experience the charm of nature."

Tianmen Mountain: A Challenge to Courage and Aesthetics

The next day, the three of them arrived at Tianmen Mountain. Tianmen Mountain is famous for its unique natural landscape and exciting activities, and is a must-see destination in Zhangjiajie.

Upon arriving at Tianmen Mountain, they were immediately awestruck by its magnificent scenery. The winding mountain road with 99 bends resembled a giant dragon coiled around the mountains, earning it the name "Avenue to Heaven." "This mountain road is so spectacular! It feels like we're driving up to the sky," Zhang Yuedong exclaimed, gazing at the winding road.

Lin Yifei said nervously, "How good must your driving skills be to drive on this? It feels so exciting."

Li Xiao smiled and said, "We'll be able to experience it soon, and I'm sure it will be an unforgettable experience."

They rode in an eco-friendly bus up the winding mountain road. The driver's skillful maneuvering filled them with both tension and excitement. Every bend felt like a roller coaster ride, their hearts pounding. Outside the window, steep peaks and deep canyons stretched out, a truly spectacular sight. "Wow, this is so thrilling! I feel like my heart is going to jump out of my chest!" Zhang Yuedong exclaimed, gripping the handrail tightly.

Lin Yifei laughed and said, "Yes, this is even more exciting than riding a roller coaster. The scenery is so beautiful, it was definitely worth the trip."

Li Xiao admired the scenery outside the window: "This is the charm of Tianmen Mountain. It can challenge your courage and allow you to appreciate the stunning scenery."

Upon reaching the summit, they first arrived at the suspended glass walkway. The walkway hangs precariously above a sheer drop, making walking on it feel like strolling in the air – a truly thrilling experience. Zhang Yuedong stood hesitantly at the entrance, saying, "This glass walkway looks terrifying; I'm a little afraid to walk on it."