Punch: From third-rate anchor to top chef

Chapter 1697

"I'm finally going to Chengdu!" Li Xiao waved the plane ticket in his hand excitedly, with anticipation gleaming in his eyes.

Yu Wen smiled and packed his backpack. "Yes, I can't wait to see the cute giant pandas and taste the authentic Sichuan cuisine."

Zhang Qin was carefully checking the travel guide, muttering: "We have to experience all the best of Chengdu."

The three of them embarked on their journey with infinite longing for Chengdu. As soon as they got off the plane, the moist air and lively atmosphere of Chengdu hit them. The streets and alleys were filled with the spicy and fragrant smell, which instantly immersed people in the unique charm of this city.

The first stop was the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding. As soon as they entered the park, they saw many tourists holding cameras, looking for pandas with anticipation. Li Xiao ran ahead like a child, "Hurry, let's go see GunGun! I heard that the newborn panda babies are so cute."

In the giant panda maternity ward, they saw several cute panda cubs lying on the ground and sleeping soundly, moving their paws from time to time, looking very cute. Yu Wen couldn't help but take out his phone and take pictures crazily: "They are so cute, I will post these photos on WeChat Moments to make them jealous."

Zhang Qin smiled and said, "Don't just take pictures, take in this lovely atmosphere."

Then, they went to the villa for adult giant pandas and saw several giant pandas leisurely eating bamboo, and some were rolling around on the ground, looking very happy. Li Xiao exclaimed: "No wonder so many people like pandas, they are so healing."

After leaving the panda base, they headed to Du Fu's Thatched Cottage. Stepping into the thatched cottage, the quiet environment and rich cultural atmosphere made people feel as if they had traveled back to ancient times. The main hall, the Poetry and History Hall, and the Ministry of Industry Shrine came into view one after another, and each building carried the memory of history.

In the Poetry and History Hall, looking at the statue of Du Fu and his poems, Li Xiao couldn't help reciting: "The country is ruined but the mountains and rivers remain. In spring, the city is covered with grass and trees. The flowers shed tears when they feel sad. The birds startle my heart when I feel sad about the separation."

Yu Wen went on to say: "It is really amazing that Du Fu left so many classic works here."

Zhang Qin carefully read the exhibition introduction to learn about Du Fu's life experience in Chengdu.

After visiting Du Fu Thatched Cottage, it was getting dark and their stomachs started to growl. So the three of them went to a busy snack street to taste authentic Chengdu food. The street was lined with various snack stalls, including Long Chao Shou, Dan Dan Noodles, Zhong Dumplings, Bobo Chicken, etc., with a wide variety of aromas.

Li Xiao pointed to a Long Chao Shou shop and said, "This is the one. I've heard of Long Chao Shou's fame a long time ago."

After ordering a bowl of long wonton and dandan noodles, Li Xiao couldn't wait to taste the long wonton. The skin was thin, the filling was tender, and the soup was delicious. He gave a thumbs up and said, "It's so delicious. The taste is amazing!"

Yu Wen also ate Dandan noodles and praised them highly: "The noodles are thin, the marinade is crispy and fragrant, and the taste is salty, fresh and slightly spicy. It is indeed a famous snack in Chengdu."

Zhang Qin savored the Zhong dumplings carefully, which were slightly sweet, salty and spicy, and had a unique flavor.

After eating and drinking, they strolled around the snack street and saw many exquisite Shu embroidery and special handicrafts. The Shu embroidery is colorful, the needlework is delicate, and the patterns are lifelike, making people love it. Li Xiao chose a Shu embroidery with a panda pattern and prepared to take it back to his family: "This Shu embroidery is so beautiful, I'll take it back as a souvenir."

Yu Wen also bought some postcards and small accessories with Chengdu characteristics, while Zhang Qin had a special liking for an exquisite bamboo handicraft.

With full harvest and satisfaction, they returned to the hotel to recharge their batteries for the next day. On this day, they felt the loveliness of nature and the profoundness of history and culture in Chengdu, tasted delicious food, and were full of expectations for the next journey.

After bidding farewell to Chengdu, the three set off for Chongqing. As soon as they entered Chongqing, the unique mountain city scenery came into view, with layers of buildings built against the mountain and winding roads, as if they were in a three-dimensional maze.

"Chongqing really lives up to its reputation, with hills and bumps everywhere." Li Xiao said breathlessly while climbing the hill.

Yu Wen smiled and patted Li Xiao on the shoulder: "This is the characteristic of Chongqing, climbing up the hill is fun."

Zhang Qin looked at the surrounding buildings excitedly: "Every place feels like a scene from a movie. It has such a great atmosphere."

Their first stop was Liziba Light Rail Station, to experience the magic of "light rail passing through a building". Standing on the viewing platform, tourists took out their mobile phones, waiting for the moment when the light rail passed through the building. After a while, the light rail slowly drove in, and passed through the building steadily amid the exclamations of the crowd. Li Xiao shouted excitedly: "Wow, it's amazing. This is the first time I see a light rail passing through a building."

Yu Wen was also busy taking photos: "I must record this scene and show it off to my friends when I get back."

Zhang Qin said with a smile: "It feels like a scene from a science fiction movie. Chongqing's transportation is so creative."

Then, they came to Hongya Cave. When night fell, Hongya Cave was brightly lit, just like the world of Spirited Away in Hayao Miyazaki's animation, magnificent and beautiful. The layers of stilt houses, under the background of lights, exuded a simple and mysterious atmosphere. On the streets, there were all kinds of specialty shops, and tourists shuttled among them, which was very lively.

Li Xiao was shocked by the beautiful scenery in front of him: "This is too beautiful, it feels like I have traveled back to an ancient mountain city."

Yu Wen said with emotion: "No wonder so many people come to Hongyadong when they come to Chongqing. The night view is simply amazing."

Zhang Qin excitedly pulled them along: "Come on, let's go in and take a look to see if there's anything fun."

Walking into Hongya Cave, it is full of the "stilted buildings" with the traditional architectural features of Bayu, and is quaint. They shuttled through the various floors, admiring the exquisite handicrafts and special souvenirs. Li Xiao took a fancy to a folding fan with Chongqing characteristics, on which was painted the night view of Hongya Cave: "This folding fan is really beautiful, I will buy it as a souvenir."

Yu Wen was attracted by a small Three Gorges stone ornament: "This Three Gorges stone is also good, it has the flavor of Chongqing."

After getting tired from shopping, the three of them came to a hot pot restaurant to taste the authentic Chongqing hot pot. The restaurant was filled with a strong spicy aroma, which made people salivate. When the pot was served, the red butter was rolling in the pot, and the aroma of chili and peppercorns filled the air.

Li Xiao looked at the red oil in the pot and said worriedly, "This looks too spicy, can I handle it?"

Yu Wen patted his chest and said, "How can you come to Chongqing without eating spicy food? Don't worry, you will fall in love with the taste in a while."

Zhang Qin smiled and said, "If that doesn't work, let's just order something slightly spicy."

They ordered various special ingredients such as tripe, duck intestines, tender beef, etc. The tripe became crispy and refreshing immediately after being simmered. Li Xiao dipped it in the seasoning and put it in his mouth. Although it was so spicy that he gasped, he couldn't help but praise: "It's so delicious, the tripe is crispy and fragrant, and the spiciness is so addictive." Yu Wen also ate it with a red face: "That's right, this is the soul of Chongqing hot pot, try the duck intestines."

After eating hot pot, they went to watch the Sichuan Opera face-changing performance. On the stage, the actors were dressed in gorgeous costumes and performed wonderful Sichuan Opera segments. Suddenly, the actor turned around and the makeup on his face changed instantly, causing the audience to exclaim in amazement. Li Xiao's eyes widened: "This is amazing, how did he do it?"

Yu Wen said: "This is a unique skill of Sichuan Opera. The actors have undergone a long period of training."

Zhang Qin was deeply attracted by the wonderful performance of the actors: "This face-changing is so shocking, it is really the charm of traditional culture."

After the performance, they were still not satisfied. Walking on the streets of Chongqing, they tasted special snacks such as spicy chicken and hot and sour noodles. The spicy chicken was crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, and the aroma of the chili was fully integrated into it, leaving people with an endless aftertaste. The hot and sour noodles were sour and spicy, and the vermicelli was chewy and strong, making people want to eat more.

At the specialty store, they bought Fuling pickled mustard tuber, hot pot base, Jiangjin rice candy and other specialties. Fuling pickled mustard tuber is crispy and tender, delicious, and is an excellent side dish on the table. Hot pot base is the soul of Chongqing hot pot, and you can take it home and cook authentic Chongqing hot pot at any time. Jiangjin rice candy is sweet and crispy, and is a snack suitable for all ages.

Li Xiao carried a bag full of local specialties and said, "I have gained a lot from this trip to Chongqing. My family will definitely like these local specialties when I take them back."

Yu Wen smiled and said, "Yes, Chongqing is a really great place. The food, scenery and culture are all unforgettable."

Zhang Qin looked at the bustling streets and said, "Where are we going next? I'm really looking forward to traveling to the next city."

After leaving Chongqing, the three of them came to the beautiful coastal city of Xiamen with a yearning for the sea. As soon as they got off the plane, the fresh sea breeze blew in their faces, and the air was filled with a faint smell of sea water, which made people feel particularly comfortable.

"Finally arrived in Xiamen. The sea breeze is so comfortable." Li Xiao took a deep breath and felt the unique atmosphere of Xiamen.

Yu Wen smiled and said, "Yes, I heard that Xiamen has many beautiful islands and romantic beaches. I must have a good time this time."

Zhang Qin looked around excitedly: "I can't wait to go to Gulangyu Island and experience that literary and romantic world."

They first came to Gulangyu Island and took a ferry to this small island full of literary and artistic atmosphere. The island is shaded by green trees, and European-style buildings and houses in southern Fujian style are intertwined, like a beautiful painting.

Walking on the streets of Gulangyu Island, Li Xiao was attracted by the music of a small shop on the roadside: "The music in this shop is very nice, let's go in and take a look."

The three of them walked into the store, which turned out to be a music-themed coffee shop filled with various musical instruments and vinyl records. The owner greeted them warmly: "Welcome, take a look around, and order any music you want to listen to."

Li Xiao selected a vinyl record of Jay Chou. The melodious music started playing. The three of them sat by the window, sipping coffee and appreciating the street view outside the window. They felt very comfortable.

Yu Wen looked at the buildings outside the window and said, "The architectural style of Gulangyu is really unique. Each building is like a story."

Zhang Qin nodded in agreement: "Besides, this place is full of artistic atmosphere, any shot you take can be a blockbuster."

Then, they came to Sunlight Rock, the highest peak of Gulangyu Island. They climbed up the steep steps, panting a little, but the three of them were full of anticipation. Finally, they reached the top of the mountain and overlooked the entire Gulangyu Island and XM City. The blue sea, white sand beach, and red roofs formed a beautiful picture.

Li Xiao shouted excitedly: "It's so beautiful, this scenery is simply intoxicating."

Yu Wen was also busy taking photos: "I must take more photos of this scenery, it's so stunning."

Zhang Qin sighed: "Standing here, it feels like all my troubles have disappeared."

Coming down from Sunlight Rock, they strolled through the alleys of Gulangyu Island and found many specialty shops. Some sold handmade jewelry, some sold special postcards, and some sold creative souvenirs. Li Xiao saw a shell necklace in a handmade jewelry store and said, "This necklace is so beautiful, Zhang Qin, I'll give it to you."

Zhang Qin took the necklace and said happily, "Thank you, I like it very much. This shell is so delicate."

Yu Wen also bought some postcards with Gulangyu characteristics and prepared to send them to friends far away.

After getting tired from shopping, they came to a seafood restaurant to taste the authentic Xiamen seafood. They ordered special dishes such as steamed grouper, boiled shrimp, and fried oysters. The steamed grouper was tender and original; the boiled shrimp was sweet and delicious, with firm shrimp meat; the fried oysters were even more fragrant, crispy on the outside and tender on the inside.

Li Xiao ate the oyster omelette and praised it highly: "This oyster omelette is so delicious. The oysters are fresh and big. Add the eggs and sweet potato flour, and the taste is absolutely amazing."

Yu Wen also ate the shrimp and said, "These shrimps are really fresh and taste so sweet."

Zhang Qin smiled and said: "Xiamen's seafood is really as famous as it is said to be. It's so satisfying."

The next day, they rode along the Ring Road, enjoying the coastal scenery along the way. The blue sky, white clouds, sea, and beach formed a beautiful coastal picture. They stopped to take pictures and strolled on the beach, feeling the fine sand and warm sunshine.

At Huangcuo Beach, they saw many people playing beach volleyball and surfing. Li Xiao looked at the surfers and was moved: "I also want to try surfing. It feels so exciting."

Yu Wen smiled and said, "Okay, let's go together. It's a good opportunity to experience it."

Under the guidance of the coach, the two put on surfboards and started to try surfing. Although they were a little uncomfortable at first, they gradually mastered the skills through constant practice, riding on the waves and feeling the joy of surfing. Zhang Qin cheered for them on the beach and recorded this wonderful moment with her camera.

After being tired of playing, they lay on the beach chairs, drank iced coconut juice and enjoyed the leisurely time.

In the evening, they came to Zengcuo'an, a famous snack street in Xiamen, full of various special snacks and delicacies, such as shacha noodles, peanut soup, earthworm jelly, roasted pork dumplings, etc., with a fragrant aroma.

Li Xiao saw a Shacha noodle shop with a lot of people, so he pulled Yu Wen and Zhang Qin and said, "This Shacha noodle shop must be delicious. Let's go and try it."