Punch: From third-rate anchor to top chef

On a sunny morning, Li Xiao, Zhang Yuedong and Lin Yifei set foot in Hangzhou, a city known as "paradise on earth".

As soon as they got off the car, the fresh air with the faint scent of osmanthus blew in their faces, instantly refreshing them.

"We are finally in Hangzhou. This place is really a dream come true!" Zhang Yuedong took a deep breath and said excitedly.

Lin Yifei also looked expectant and nodded in agreement: "Yes, they say there is heaven above and Suzhou and Hangzhou below. Today we must experience this paradise-like beauty."

Li Xiao smiled and took over the conversation: "What are we waiting for? Our first stop is West Lake to appreciate the picturesque scenery."

The three of them came to the West Lake with great joy. What came into view was a clear bay of water, which sparkled in the sunlight, like a huge mirror, reflecting the blue sky, white clouds and the green trees and mountains on the shore.

In the distance, the mountains are rolling and shrouded in clouds and mist, like a light-ink landscape painting. On the lake, there are many cruise ships and tourists laughing and talking, adding a lively atmosphere to the tranquil West Lake.

Walking along the lake, the breeze gently brushes your cheeks, bringing the moisture of the lake water and the fragrance of flowers and plants, making people feel extremely comfortable. The weeping willows by the lake are swaying, and the slender willow branches are dancing in the wind, like a girl's hair, occasionally brushing across the lake, creating ripples. On the willow branches, birds are singing happily, as if they are cheering for this beautiful scenery.

"Look, the water of West Lake is so green, just like a flawless emerald." Li Xiao couldn't help but sighed, pointing at the lake.

Zhang Yuedong was also intoxicated by the beautiful scenery and agreed, "Yes, and the water is so clear that you can see the bottom and the fish swimming freely in the water. It's really wonderful."

Lin Yifei observed the scenery on the shore with great interest and said, "The scenery by the lake is also very beautiful, with green trees, colorful flowers, and antique pavilions. The lake water sets off each other, like a beautiful painting."

They admired the beautiful scenery and took photos to capture this beautiful moment forever. Before they knew it, they arrived at Baidi Causeway. There were many tourists on Baidi Causeway, all of whom were attracted by the beautiful scenery.

On both sides of Baidi Bridge, peach blossoms are in full bloom, with pink and tender flowers hanging on the branches. When the breeze blows, the petals fall one after another, as if a romantic flower rain has begun. The willow trees, which are interspersed with peach blossoms, have also sprouted tender green buds. The slender willow branches sway in the wind, interweaving with the peach blossoms, forming a beautiful picture of "red peaches and green willows".

"I love walking along the white sand embankment under the shade of green willows on the east side of the lake. I didn't expect that the scenery of the Baidi Bridge in person would be even more beautiful than described in the poems." Li Xiao recited Bai Juyi's poems with an intoxicated look on his face.

Zhang Yuedong smiled and said, "Yes, this Baidi Bridge is indeed a major scenic spot in West Lake. Walking on it, I feel like a poet."

Lin Yifei said mischievously: "How about we also write a poem to suit the occasion?"

The three of them talked at the same time, and although the poems were not neat, they were full of laughter, adding a lot of fun to this wonderful journey.

After walking along the Bai Causeway, they arrived at Gushan, the largest island in the West Lake, with lush trees and pavilions scattered around.

"The West Lake is so beautiful, every scene is intoxicating." Li Xiao exclaimed.

Zhang Yuedong nodded in agreement: "Yes, no wonder so many writers and poets have left famous quotes for it. This is really a place where people don't want to leave once they come here."

Lin Yifei also said with deep emotion: "This trip is really worth it. If I have the chance in the future, I must come back to appreciate the beauty of West Lake."

After spending a long time at the West Lake, the three of them felt hungry, so they decided to try some Hangzhou food and experience the unique flavor of this city.

Taste Hangzhou cuisine and explore its folk customs

The three of them came to a restaurant with a strong Hangzhou flavor. The restaurant was bustling with people coming and going, and the air was filled with the aroma of various delicacies, making people salivate.

They found a seat and sat down. The waiter enthusiastically handed over the menu. Li Xiao took the menu and studied it carefully: "When you come to Hangzhou, you must try West Lake vinegar fish and Longjing shrimp. These are the signature dishes of Hangzhou cuisine."

Zhang Yuedong nodded in agreement: "That's right, let's order some beggar's chicken. I heard this dish is also very special."

Lin Yifei looked at the menu with his eyes shining. "There is also Dongpo pork. It is fatty but not greasy and melts in your mouth. Just thinking about it makes me want to order one."

Soon, the dishes were served one after another. The first dish served was the West Lake Vinegar Fish, which was intact and bright red in color. The sweet and sour sauce poured on it was like a layer of crystal amber, emitting an attractive luster. The fish's pectoral fins stood up high, as if showing people its unique charm.

"Wow, this West Lake Vinegar Fish looks so appetizing, it's worthy of being a famous dish in Hangzhou." Zhang Yuedong couldn't wait to pick up the chopsticks, picked up a piece of fish and put it in his mouth.

The fish meat is tender and smooth, and melts in your mouth. The sweet and sour soup wraps the fish meat just right. Not only does it not have the slightest fishy smell, but it also brings out a hint of crab meat flavor, which makes people linger on the taste. "Well, this taste is absolutely amazing! The fish meat is tender and fresh, and the sweet and sour taste is so unique." Zhang Yuedong praised it while eating.

Lin Yifei also quickly took a bite and was also impressed by the delicious taste: "It is indeed delicious. This West Lake Vinegar Fish is well-deserved of its reputation. I only heard about it before, but after tasting it myself today, I know what a delicious delicacy is."

Li Xiao smiled at the two of them and picked up a piece of fish. "This dish is very particular. The grass carp we use must be starved for three days to make the fish meat firmer and free of earthy smell. Also, the cooking temperature and the mix of sweet and sour sauce are very important. One less and it won't taste good, and one more and it will lose its freshness and tenderness."

Then, Longjing shrimps were served. The white shrimps and the tender green Longjing tea set off each other, like a fresh and elegant ink painting. The shrimps were plump and crystal clear, like pearls, exuding an attractive luster. The tea leaves were tender and fresh, as if they had just been picked from the branches, exuding a fresh tea fragrance. "This Longjing shrimp is pleasing to the eye just to look at, let alone to eat." Lin Yifei picked up the chopsticks, carefully picked up a shrimp, and put it in his mouth. The shrimps were tender and chewy, with a smooth taste, accompanied by a faint tea fragrance, as if a spring was flowing in the mouth, making people feel extremely refreshed.

"Wow, the shrimps are so tender, and the tea fragrance is simply wonderful. The two together are a perfect match." Lin Yifei couldn't help but sigh.

Zhang Yuedong also nodded and praised: "Yes, this dish perfectly combines the deliciousness of shrimp and the fragrance of tea. It is worthy of being a specialty of Hangzhou."

Li Xiao watched the two people eating with gusto and said with a smile: "This Longjing shrimp is not only delicious, but also very nutritious. Shrimp is rich in protein, and tea has the effect of refreshing the mind and anti-oxidation. Eating more is good for health."

Then, Beggar's Chicken and Dongpo Pork were served. The Beggar's Chicken was wrapped in mud and looked inconspicuous, but when the waiter knocked off the mud and uncovered the lotus leaves, a rich aroma instantly filled the air.

The chicken is tender and juicy, fragrant and has the fragrance of lotus leaves, which makes people intoxicated. The Dongpo pork is bright red and shiny, and each piece is square and uniform in size. It is fat but not greasy, lean but not dry, soft, glutinous and sweet, as if it melts in the mouth, making people unable to stop.

The three of them tasted the food and exchanged their feelings, with laughter echoing in the restaurant. They praised every dish and enjoyed this sumptuous feast to the fullest, feeling the unique charm of Hangzhou cuisine.

After eating and drinking, the three walked out of the restaurant. At this time, the sun was setting, and the sky was dyed orange-red, covering the city with a golden coat. They strolled on the street, admiring the night view of Hangzhou and feeling the prosperity and bustle of the city.

As they walked, they came to the entrance of a theater and saw a Yue Opera performance being performed. Yue Opera is a traditional opera in Zhejiang, famous for its beautiful singing, delicate performance and beautiful plot. The three had heard of Yue Opera for a long time and had always wanted to find an opportunity to enjoy it, so they bought tickets without hesitation and walked into the theater.

The theater was packed with people, and everyone was waiting for the performance to begin with great anticipation. Soon, the lights on the stage gradually came on, and the actors, dressed in gorgeous costumes, walked onto the stage with light steps. Their makeup was exquisite, their eyes and eyebrows were full of agility and charm, and their every frown and smile was full of charm.

As the melodious music sounded, the actors began their wonderful performance. Their singing was melodious and graceful, like a moving song, echoing in the theater. The performance was delicate and subtle, and the characters' personalities and emotions were displayed in every gesture. The plot was ups and downs and exciting, telling a love story of a talented scholar and a beautiful woman, which made the audience immersed in it and intoxicated.

Li Xiao was deeply attracted by the charm of Yue Opera and couldn't help but sigh: "This Yue Opera is so beautiful, both the singing and the performance are intoxicating. I only watched it on TV before, but today I watched it live and really appreciated its charm."

Zhang Yuedong also nodded in agreement: "Yes, the actors' performances are so wonderful. Every movement and every look is just right, and the characters are portrayed vividly."

Lin Yifei said excitedly: "This Yue Opera performance is really worth it. It gave me a deeper understanding and knowledge of Zhejiang's traditional culture. If I have the chance in the future, I must watch more performances."

After the performance, the three were still immersed in the wonderful performance of Yue Opera and could not forget it for a long time. They continued to walk on the street while recalling the performance. Unconsciously, they came to a specialty market, which was filled with all kinds of Hangzhou specialties, dazzling and dazzling.

"Since we are in Hangzhou, let's bring some local specialties back for our family and friends to try," Li Xiao suggested.

"Okay, I've already thought about it. I must buy some West Lake Longjing tea and Hangzhou silk." Zhang Yuedong said.

Lin Yifei also agreed: "I also want to buy some Lin'an walnuts and Tangqi loquats. I heard that these specialties are very good."

So, the three of them started to choose in the specialty market. They came to a tea shop, which was filled with West Lake Longjing tea of ​​various grades. The owner enthusiastically introduced the characteristics and quality of West Lake Longjing to them, and also brewed a cup for them to taste. The tea soup was clear and bright, with a tender green color, a noble aroma, and a fresh and mellow taste. After tasting it, the three of them were full of praise and bought some.

Then they came to a silk shop. Hangzhou silk is famous for its soft texture, bright colors and exquisite patterns. It is one of the representatives of Chinese silk.

The store has a wide variety of silk products, including silk clothing, silk scarves, silk handkerchiefs, etc. Each piece is finely crafted and beautiful. The three of them selected some of their favorite silk products and prepared to take them back to give to their family and friends.

In addition to West Lake Longjing tea and Hangzhou silk, they also bought Lin'an walnuts, Tangqi loquats, West Lake lotus root starch and other specialties. These specialties are not only delicacies, but also symbols of Hangzhou culture, carrying the history and memory of the city.

After buying the local specialties, it was already late. The three returned to the hotel with a lot of harvest. They lay on the bed, recalling the experience of the day, their hearts filled with joy and satisfaction.

The next day, the three of them got up early and embarked on a journey to the "Oriental Hollywood" with infinite expectations for Hengdian World Studios. Along the way, they excitedly discussed the film and television scenes they were about to see and the stars they might meet, their hearts full of curiosity and excitement.

As soon as you enter Hengdian World Studios, it's as if you've traveled through time and space and arrived at different historical periods and film and television worlds. The first thing that comes into view is the Qin Palace Scenic Area, where tall and majestic city walls and magnificent palaces remind people of the majesty and glory of ancient emperors.

In the scenic area, the Sihai Guiyi Hall stands tall and majestic, with 99 steps leading directly to the main hall, showing the royal style. Standing in front of the hall, Li Xiao said with emotion: "This Qin Palace is really magnificent. It feels like returning to the Qin Dynasty and feeling the majestic momentum of Qin Shihuang unifying the six kingdoms."

Zhang Yuedong also nodded and praised: "Yes, this building is so stunning, no wonder so many movies and TV series are filmed here."

Lin Yifei couldn't wait to go in and explore: "Don't just sigh, let's go in and take a look, maybe we can run into the crew filming."

Walking into the Qin Palace, the three were attracted by the scene before them. The decoration inside the palace was magnificent, with carved beams and painted buildings, and every detail showed the exquisite craftsmanship of ancient craftsmen. They shuttled between the palaces, as if they had transformed into ancient emperors and generals, feeling the weight and mystery of history. As they walked, they came to a filming site, where a group of actors in ancient costumes were filming, surrounded by staff and tourists. The three curiously came over to watch the actors' wonderful performance.

This scene is a fierce fighting scene. The actors are agile and their movements are smooth and powerful. The director is directing loudly, and the photographer is concentrating on capturing every wonderful moment. The tourists around are also attracted by this wonderful performance and exclaim from time to time.

"Wow, this is not an easy film. The actors' movements are so professional." Zhang Yuedong exclaimed. (End of this chapter)