Punch: From third-rate anchor to top chef

After bidding farewell to the picturesque Guilin, Li Xiao, Zhang Yuedong and Lin Yifei embarked on a journey to Xi'an with full memories and expectations for the next stop. Along the way, they were particularly excited. Xi'an, an ancient capital with a long history and profound cultural heritage, has always been a place they longed for in their hearts.

"Xi'an is the ancient capital of 13 dynasties, with countless historical relics and cultural treasures. We must explore it thoroughly this time." Li Xiao said excitedly.

Zhang Yuedong nodded in agreement: "Yes, the Terracotta Warriors, the ancient city wall, the Big Wild Goose Pagoda... these are all iconic attractions in Xi'an, and each one carries a thousand years of history."

Lin Yifei said with great anticipation: "I can't wait to experience the historical charm of Xi'an and record those ancient and mysterious moments with my camera."

After several hours of driving, they finally arrived in Xi'an. As soon as they got off the car, they were greeted by a strong historical atmosphere. The ancient city walls and quaint buildings seemed to bring them back to the prosperous ancient Chang'an.

After a short rest, the three of them went straight to the world-famous Qin Shihuang Terracotta Warriors and Horses Museum. Qin Shihuang Terracotta Warriors and Horses, known as the "Eighth Wonder of the World", is a golden name card of the glorious civilization of ancient China. It is large in scale and magnificent in momentum. The unearthed terracotta warriors and horses are numerous and rich in variety, vividly showing the powerful military force and superb sculpture art of the Qin Dynasty.

Standing in front of the gate of the Terracotta Warriors Museum, Li Xiao couldn't help but sigh: "I finally saw the Terracotta Warriors with my own eyes. This has always been my dream."

Zhang Yuedong also said with deep emotion: "Yes, it is amazing that these terracotta warriors are still well preserved after thousands of years. They are not only witnesses of history, but also the crystallization of the wisdom of the Chinese nation."

Lin Yifei was busy using his camera to record this exciting moment. He said: "Such a shocking scene must be recorded well to let more people know the charm of the Terracotta Warriors."

When you enter the museum, the first thing that catches your eye is the Terracotta Warriors Pit No. 230. This is the largest Terracotta Warriors Pit, 62 meters long from east to west, 14260 meters wide from north to south, and a total area of ​​ square meters. Thousands of Terracotta Warriors and Horses are densely packed in the pit, standing neatly in a square formation, like an army ready to go to war at any time, magnificent and shocking.

"Wow, this is so spectacular! So many terracotta warriors, just like a real army." Li Xiao was amazed by the scene before him.

Zhang Yuedong carefully observed each of the terracotta warriors. He said, "Look, the expressions and postures of these terracotta warriors are different. Some have firm eyes, some are thoughtful, and some are serious. Each one is lifelike, as if it has its own story."

While taking photos, Lin Yifei said: "The carving techniques of these terracotta warriors are so exquisite. The details are handled very well. The hair, beard, clothing, etc. are clearly visible. They are truly masterpieces of ancient sculpture art."

They walked slowly along the viewing corridor, admiring the terracotta warriors up close. Li Xiao curiously asked the tour guide next to him: "What materials are these terracotta warriors made of?"

The tour guide smiled and replied: "The Terracotta Warriors are mainly made of clay. The craftsmen at that time first shaped the clay, and then went through multiple processes such as firing and painting to create these exquisite Terracotta Warriors."

Li Xiao asked again: "Why do some of these terracotta warriors have colors, but some do not?"

The tour guide explained: "When the Terracotta Warriors were first unearthed, they were actually colored, but due to being buried underground for a long time, they were affected by oxidation and other factors, and the colors of most of the Terracotta Warriors have fallen off. The colored Terracotta Warriors we see now have all been carefully restored by archaeologists and cultural relics protection workers."

After listening to the guide's introduction, the three had a deeper understanding of the production process and historical background of the Terracotta Warriors. They continued their tour and came to Pit No. 2 and Pit No. 3. Although the scale of these two pits is relatively small, the unearthed Terracotta Warriors are equally exquisite and unique.

In Pit No. 2, they saw many unique terracotta warriors, such as kneeling archers, standing archers, and cavalrymen. These terracotta warriors were in different postures, showing the rich military forces and combat methods of the Qin Dynasty army. The kneeling archer knelt on one knee, with his upper body straight, his eyes staring forward, and his expression focused, as if he was waiting for the order to shoot; the standing archer stood, holding a crossbow, leaning forward slightly, ready to shoot arrows at any time; the cavalrymen wore armor, helmets, and weapons in their hands, riding majestically on war horses, as if ready to charge into battle at any time.

"The postures of these terracotta warriors are so vivid, it feels like they will come alive at any time." Li Xiao exclaimed.

Zhang Yuedong also nodded in agreement: "Yes, these terracotta warriors are not only works of art, but also witnesses of history. They show us the strength and bravery of the Qin Dynasty army."

Lin Yifei said: "Each terracotta warrior contains rich historical information. Through them, we can imagine the spectacular scene when the Qin Dynasty unified the six kingdoms."

In Pit No. 3, they saw a terracotta figure of a general in command. The figure wore a pheasant crown, armor, and held a long sword. He looked majestic, as if he was commanding a large army. Li Xiao walked up to the figure and imitated him, making everyone laugh. He said, "I wish I could be as majestic as this general."

Zhang Yuedong smiled and said: "This general was a core figure in the Qin Dynasty's army. His wisdom and courage made great contributions to the unification of the Qin Dynasty."

Lin Yifei carefully photographed every detail of the terracotta figurine. He said: "The image of this general figurine is so representative that I must take a good picture of it."

After visiting the Terracotta Warriors, the three people were still in a state of excitement. The spectacular sight and profound historical and cultural connotations of the Terracotta Warriors left a deep impression on them. They bought some replicas of the Terracotta Warriors in the museum's souvenir shop and planned to take them back as souvenirs.

Li Xiao picked up a small Terracotta Warrior ornament and couldn't put it down. He said: "This Terracotta Warrior is so exquisite. I will take it home and put it at home. Every time I see it, I will remember today's amazing journey." Zhang Yuedong also selected a few Terracotta Warrior models. He said: "These models can be given to friends so that they can also feel the charm of the Terracotta Warriors."

Lin Yifei bought a picture album about the Terracotta Warriors. He said: "This album contains many beautiful pictures and detailed introductions. I can study it slowly when I go back."

After leaving the Terracotta Warriors Museum, the three people's stomachs began to growl. They decided to try Xi'an's special food - mutton soup with steamed buns. Mutton soup with steamed buns is one of Xi'an's traditional delicacies, famous for its rich soup, tender mutton and chewy steamed buns. It is not only delicious but also nutritious, and is one of the favorite delicacies of Xi'an people.

They walked into a time-honored mutton soup steamed bun restaurant, which was filled with the rich aroma of mutton. The restaurant was full of diners, all of whom were eating with gusto and satisfied smiles on their faces.

"Boss, give me three bowls of mutton soup with steamed buns." Li Xiao shouted loudly.

Soon, the steaming mutton soup steamed bun was served on the table. In the big bowl, there was tender mutton, crystal vermicelli, green coriander and chopped green onion, and steamed bun broken into small pieces. The soup was rich and the aroma was fragrant, making people salivate at the sight.

Li Xiao couldn't wait to stir the ingredients in the bowl, let the steamed bun fully absorb the delicious soup, and then picked up a piece of steamed bun and put it in his mouth. "Wow, this mutton soup steamed bun is so delicious! The soup is rich and mellow, the mutton is tender and juicy, and the steamed bun is also chewy. I feel full of happiness after taking a bite." Li Xiao praised it while eating.

Zhang Yuedong also tasted it and nodded in agreement: "It is indeed delicious. The taste of this mutton soup steamed bun is really well-deserved. The soup is made from mutton and bones that have been boiled for a long time. The taste is very delicious. The steamed bun is also specially made. You have to break it into small pieces yourself so that it can better absorb the taste of the soup."

Lin Yifei savored the flavor of the steamed mutton soup. He said: "This steamed mutton soup is not only a delicacy, but also a representative of Xi'an's food culture. Every bite can feel the history and heritage of this city."

While tasting mutton soup steamed bun, they also learned that the production process of mutton soup steamed bun is very particular. First, fresh mutton and mutton bones are selected, and after a long time of stewing, a rich soup is boiled out. Then, the steamed bun is broken into small pieces and put into a bowl, and then the cooked mutton, vermicelli, coriander, chopped green onion and other ingredients are added, and finally the boiling soup is poured on it. Breaking the steamed bun is also very particular, and it must be broken into uniform sizes, so that each piece of steamed bun can fully absorb the taste of the soup.

After eating mutton soup steamed bun, the three came to Shaanxi Song and Dance Theater to watch a wonderful imitation Tang music and dance performance. Imitation Tang music and dance is adapted from the music and dance art of the Tang Dynasty. It combines music, dance, poetry, acrobatics and other art forms, vividly showing the prosperity and cultural features of the Tang Dynasty.

Walking into the theater, the stage is decorated with gold and jade, full of the atmosphere of the Tang Dynasty palace. With the sound of melodious music, the performance officially begins. The actors are dressed in gorgeous Tang Dynasty costumes and dance gracefully. Their dance postures are graceful and moving, and their movements are light and smooth, as if they have traveled through time and space and returned to the prosperous Tang Dynasty.

"Wow, this performance is so wonderful! The actors danced so well, and every move was full of charm." Li Xiao watched it intently and couldn't help but sigh.

Zhang Yuedong was also deeply attracted by the performance. He said: "Yes, this imitation Tang Dynasty music and dance not only has beautiful dance, but also very pleasant music. It displays the culture and art of the Tang Dynasty vividly, making people feel as if they are in that era."

Lin Yifei kept recording the wonderful moments of the performance with his camera. He said: "Such a wonderful performance must be recorded well so that more people can appreciate the charm of Tang Dynasty music and dance."

During the performance, the actors performed classic pieces such as "Rainbow Skirt and Feathered Robe Dance", "Qin Wang Po Zhen Music", and "Spring Oriole Chirp". "Rainbow Skirt and Feathered Robe Dance" is one of the most famous music and dance in the Tang Dynasty. It is said that it was composed by Emperor Xuanzong of Tang for Yang Guifei. In the dance, the actors dressed in gorgeous costumes, holding colorful silks, dancing gracefully, like fairies descending to the earth; "Qin Wang Po Zhen Music" showed the mighty momentum of the Tang Dynasty army. The actors held weapons, their movements were vigorous and powerful, and the rhythm was brisk, which made people feel the power and heroism of the Tang Dynasty; "Spring Oriole Chirp" depicted the beautiful scene of yellow orioles singing in spring with its melodious music and graceful dance, bringing people a fresh and pleasant feeling.

After the performance, the audience burst into thunderous applause and cheers. The three also left the theater with full of emotion and shock. As they walked, they recalled the wonderful moments in the performance and gained a deeper understanding of the culture and art of the Tang Dynasty.

On the last day in Xi'an, the three of them went to the local specialty market to buy some specialties to bring back to their relatives and friends. The market was bustling with a wide variety of specialties, which was dazzling.

They first saw paper-cutting. Paper-cutting is one of the traditional Chinese folk arts, with a long history and unique style in Xi'an. Xi'an paper-cutting is famous for its exquisite craftsmanship and rich themes. Most of the works are based on themes such as figures, animals, flowers, auspicious patterns, etc., with vivid shapes, smooth lines and profound meanings. Li Xiao picked up a paper-cutting with a lifelike phoenix on it. He said: "This paper-cutting is so exquisite, and every detail is handled very well. I want to buy one for my mother, she will definitely like it."

Zhang Yuedong also selected some paper-cut works. He said: "These paper-cut works can not only be used as decorations, but also reflect the charm of traditional Chinese culture. They are suitable as gifts for friends."

Then, they were attracted by shadow puppets. Shadow puppets are a folk art form that uses animal skins or cardboard to make silhouettes of people, and are performed on a screen through light. Xi'an shadow puppets have unique shapes, bright colors, and fine carvings, and have high artistic value. Lin Yifei picked up a shadow puppet figure and carefully admired the carving craftsmanship on it. He said, "This shadow puppet is so beautiful, and every joint can move. It's really amazing. I want to buy a few more so that I can perform it myself when I go back."

Li Xiao and Zhang Yuedong also found shadow puppetry very interesting. They each picked out some of their favorite ones and prepared to take them back to share the fun with their friends.

In addition to paper-cuts and shadow puppets, they also bought Lintong pomegranates, Huanggui persimmon cakes, Jingyang Fu tea and other specialties. Lintong pomegranates are large, thin-skinned, juicy and sweet, and are one of the special fruits of Xi'an; Huanggui persimmon cakes are made from Lintong fire crystal persimmons, with a golden color, soft and sweet taste, and are a traditional snack in Xi'an; Jingyang Fu tea has a long history and unique aroma, and has the effects of digestion, stomach strengthening, lipid reduction and weight loss, and is one of the specialties of Shaanxi.

With a lot of harvest, the three of them ended their journey in Xi'an. In these few days in Xi'an, they experienced the ancient historical sites, tasted delicious specialties, watched the wonderful imitation Tang Dynasty music and dance performances, and bought unique local specialties. (End of this chapter)