Punch: From third-rate anchor to top chef

Chapter 1722

Bidding farewell to the beautiful scenery of Jinhua, Li Xiao, Zhang Yuedong and Lin Yifei set off on a journey to Xitang Ancient Town. Along the way, they were full of expectations, and the images of the ancient town with white walls, black roofs, boats and waves kept appearing in their minds.

As soon as you enter Xitang Ancient Town, you feel like you have stepped into a peaceful and quaint world. The air is filled with the faint smell of water towns, and the sound of gurgling water in your ears instantly makes you feel calm and comfortable.

"Wow, this is Xitang Ancient Town. It's so beautiful, just like an ink painting." Lin Yifei said excitedly.

Zhang Yuedong was also attracted by the beautiful scenery in front of him and couldn't help but sigh: "Yes, everything here is so peaceful and tranquil. It is worthy of being the representative of the Jiangnan water town."

Li Xiao smiled and said, "Let's go in and take a look around, and feel the charm of this ancient town."

They walked slowly along the stone road, enjoying the beautiful scenery along the way. On both sides of the streets of the ancient town, there are rows of antique buildings with white walls, gray tiles, flying eaves and brackets, as if telling the story of the years. The shops on the street are full of special snacks, handicrafts, and ancient costumes, which are dazzling.

As they walked, they came to the Misty Corridor. This is one of the most distinctive landscapes in Xitang Ancient Town. It is a street with a roof and is over 1000 meters long. There are benches with backrests along the river for pedestrians to rest. Walking on the Misty Corridor, with a windproof shed above the head, a bluestone road under the feet, and the sound of gurgling water in the ears, it feels like traveling back to ancient times.

"This Misty Corridor is really amazing. Walking on it, it seems like I can feel the breath of life of the ancients." Li Xiao said with emotion.

Zhang Yuedong nodded in agreement: "Yes, and the scenery here must be more beautiful on rainy days, just like the poem says, 'mist and rain'."

Lin Yifei said mischievously: "Then let's come back on a rainy day next time and experience the feeling of walking in the rain."

They strolled along the Misty Corridor, stopping from time to time to admire the scenery by the river. On the river, black-sailed boats slowly passed by, and the boatmen at the bow paddled skillfully, creating ripples. The weeping willows by the river were swaying, and their slender branches fluttered in the wind, as if showing the tenderness of the Jiangnan water town to the tourists.

"Let's take a boat ride and enjoy the beautiful scenery of the ancient town from the water," Li Xiao suggested.

"Okay, this is a good idea." Zhang Yuedong and Lin Yifei expressed their agreement.

The three of them came to the dock and rented a pontoon boat. They sat on the boat, feeling the breeze and admiring the beautiful scenery on both sides of the river. The boat moved slowly forward, passing many ancient bridges and buildings along the way, each of which was full of historical charm.

"Look, that bridge is so beautiful." Lin Yifei said, pointing to an ancient bridge.

Zhang Yuedong looked in the direction he pointed and saw the bridge spanning the river. The bridge was carved with exquisite patterns and looked particularly simple and elegant under the sunlight.

Li Xiao introduced: "That is the Songzi Laifeng Bridge, one of the landmark buildings in Xitang Ancient Town. There is a legend about this bridge. It is said that if a newlywed couple walks on this bridge, they will have children if they go south and they will have phoenixes if they go north."

"Really? Then let's go for a walk and share in the good luck." Lin Yifei said excitedly.

After the boat docked, the three of them came to the Songzi Laifeng Bridge. This bridge has a unique shape, with a slope on one side and steps on the other. According to the legend, men walking on the steps means rising step by step; women walking on the slope means keeping a stable family. Walking on the bridge, they felt the history and culture of the ancient town, and their hearts were filled with awe.

After getting off the Songzi Laifeng Bridge, they continued to stroll in the ancient town. Unconsciously, they came to a snack bar. The aroma wafting from the store attracted their attention, and the three decided to go in and taste the food of Xitang.

They ordered some local specialties, including Jiaxing Zongzi, Gorgon Cake, Malt Pancake, etc. The first dish served was Jiaxing Zongzi, which was triangular in shape and wrapped in emerald green leaves, exuding a faint fragrance. Peeling off the leaves revealed the white and plump glutinous rice, with a piece of tender pork belly in the middle, which made people salivate.

"This Jiaxing rice dumpling is Xitang's signature delicacy. You must try it." Li Xiao picked up a rice dumpling and handed it to Zhang Yuedong and Lin Yifei.

Zhang Yuedong took the zongzi, took a bite, and praised it highly: "Well, this zongzi is really delicious, the glutinous rice is soft, sweet and fragrant, and the pork belly is fat but not greasy. It tastes great."

Lin Yifei also tasted it and nodded in agreement: "Yes, the taste is really as good as its reputation, it's better than any rice dumplings I've eaten before."

Then, they tasted the Gorgon Fruit Cake and Malt Pancake. The Gorgon Fruit Cake is soft and glutinous, sweet but not greasy, with a faint sweet-scented osmanthus fragrance; the Malt Pancake is made of malt and glutinous rice flour, with a crispy texture, sweet and delicious, leaving people with endless aftertaste.

"There are so many delicious foods in Xitang, and each one is so delicious that you can't stop eating." Lin Yifei said while eating.

Zhang Yuedong smiled and said, "Yes, this trip to Xitang is really a feast for the eyes."

Li Xiao said: "In addition to delicious food, the handicrafts here are also very unique. Let's go shopping after eating and buy some souvenirs to take back."

After dinner, the three of them came to a handicraft shop, which was filled with a variety of handicrafts, including wood carvings, bamboo weaving, paper cutting, silk products, etc. Each one was finely crafted and beautiful.

They selected some handicrafts they liked in the store, including wood-carved combs, bamboo baskets, paper-cut paintings, etc. These handicrafts are not only practical, but also contain rich cultural heritage, and are a good choice for giving to family and friends.

"These handicrafts are so exquisite, each one is irresistible." Lin Yifei took a wooden carved comb and looked at it carefully.

Zhang Yuedong also nodded in agreement: "Yes, these handicrafts are the fruits of the hard work of local craftsmen, reflecting their superb skills and unique creativity."

Li Xiao said: "We must keep them well after we buy them, because they are the beautiful memories of our trip." After buying the handicrafts, the sky gradually darkened. The night in the ancient town has a special flavor. The red lanterns hung high illuminate the ancient streets and buildings, creating a warm and romantic atmosphere.

They came to the river, where they saw the lights and buildings reflected on the river, sparkling and beautiful. From time to time, there were cruise ships passing by, and tourists were enjoying the night view on the boats, laughing and talking.

"The night view of Xitang is so beautiful that it makes people intoxicated." Li Xiao couldn't help but sigh as he looked at the river.

Zhang Yuedong was also attracted by the beautiful scenery and said, "Yes, this night view is like a dreamy painting, making people feel like they are in a fairyland."

Lin Yifei said excitedly: "Let's take another boat ride and experience Xitang at night."

The three of them rented a black-sailed boat again and moved slowly on the river. Xitang was even quieter at night, with only the sound of oars paddling in the water and melodious music coming from afar. They sat quietly on the boat, admiring the beautiful scenery around them and feeling the romance and tranquility of the night.

"This trip was so unforgettable. I saw so many beautiful scenery, tasted so many delicious foods, and bought so many exquisite handicrafts." Lin Yifei said with emotion.

Zhang Yuedong also nodded in agreement: "Yes, this is a trip full of surprises and gains. It has given us a deeper understanding and knowledge of the beautiful scenery and culture of Zhejiang."

Li Xiao smiled and said: "This is only part of our trip. There are more wonderful places waiting for us to explore later."

After leaving Xitang Ancient Town, the three of them were full of yearning for Mount Putuo, the "Buddhist Kingdom of the Sea and Sky", so they decided to go to Mount Putuo and start a journey full of Zen. They took a boat and headed towards the mysterious island.

On the boat, the sea breeze gently blew on their faces, carrying the unique salty and humid smell of the sea. 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 which was the sky and which was the sea. The sun sprinkled on the sea, sparkling like countless diamonds. Occasionally, a few seagulls flew by the boat, chirping happily, as if welcoming visitors from afar.

"This sea is so magnificent. It makes people's minds become more open." Li Xiao couldn't help but sigh as he looked at the endless sea.

Zhang Yuedong also nodded in agreement: "Yes, in front of this vast ocean, I feel so small. I really look forward to reaching Putuo Mountain soon to experience the sacredness and tranquility there."

Lin Yifei said excitedly: "I can't wait to go and worship Guanyin Bodhisattva. I heard that Putuo Mountain is very effective. Maybe my wish can come true."

After a period of sailing, they finally arrived at Putuo Mountain. As soon as they landed on the island, a strong Buddhist atmosphere hit them. The air was filled with a faint smell of incense, and the melodious Sanskrit sounds came to their ears, which instantly made people's hearts peaceful.

They first came to the Nanhai Guanyin statue. The 33-meter-high Guanyin statue stood majestically, solemn and dignified, with a kind face and slightly closed eyes, as if overlooking everything in the world. The Guanyin statue was welded with imitation gold copper. Under the sunlight, it shone with golden light, exuding a sacred and solemn atmosphere. The believers around them put their hands together, worshiped devoutly, and chanted something in their mouths, praying for the protection of Guanyin Bodhisattva.

"This statue of Guanyin of the South China Sea is so shocking. When I see her, my heart is involuntarily filled with awe." Li Xiao looked at the statue of Guanyin, feeling filled with emotion.

Zhang Yuedong also nodded and said, "Yes, this Guanyin statue seems to have a magical power that makes people's hearts calm and peaceful."

Lin Yifei said devoutly: "I will pray more, hoping that Guanyin Bodhisattva can protect my family's safety and health, and that I can also be successful in my career."

After paying respect to the Nanhai Guanyin statue, they walked along the mountain path and arrived at Puji Temple. Puji Temple is the oldest and largest temple in Putuo Mountain, located in the middle of Putuo Mountain. The temple was built during the Shaoxing period of the Southern Song Dynasty, covering an area of ​​about 37 square meters, with 000 halls, rooms, towers, pavilions and other buildings. The temple is solemn and majestic with towering ancient trees and lingering incense. In the main hall, there is an 357-meter-tall Vairocana Guanyin, who sits on a lotus throne with a serene look and a compassionate gaze on every believer.

They followed the believers into the hall and worshiped devoutly. Li Xiao put his hands together, closed his eyes, and prayed silently in his heart: "I hope my family can be safe and my friends can be happy." Zhang Yuedong also made his own wish in his heart: "I hope I can go smoothly at work and achieve better results." Lin Yifei prayed that his academic performance would improve and he could realize his dream soon.

After leaving Puji Temple, they visited Fayu Temple and Huiji Temple.

During the visit to the temple, they also met some monks. These monks wore simple robes, held rosaries, and had peaceful faces. Some of them were chanting sutras, some were cleaning the courtyard, and some were communicating with believers about Buddhism. The three curiously chatted with a monk and asked him some questions about Buddhism. The monk patiently answered them and explained the Buddhist doctrines and practice methods in a simple and easy-to-understand way, which gave them a deeper understanding and knowledge of Buddhism.

"After listening to the master's explanation, I have a new understanding of Buddhism. The concepts of compassion, kindness, tolerance, etc. advocated by Buddhism are really worth learning and practicing," said Li Xiao.

Zhang Yuedong also nodded in agreement: "Yes, these ideas can not only make our hearts more peaceful and tranquil, but also help us get along better with others and build a harmonious society."

Lin Yifei said with emotion: "I didn't expect that Buddhist culture is so profound. I will learn more about Buddhism in the future to improve my spiritual realm."

After visiting the temple, they came to Qianbusha. Qianbusha is one of the famous beaches in Putuo Mountain, with fine sand and clear water. They walked on the beach barefoot, feeling the softness and warmth of the sand. The sand under their feet gently caressed the soles of their feet, which was itchy and very comfortable. Waves came one after another, hitting the beach, making pleasant sounds. In the distance, the sea and the sky were one color, sparkling, and the beauty was intoxicating.

"This Thousand-Step Sand is so beautiful. It feels like I have come to a fairyland on earth." Lin Yifei ran excitedly on the beach, leaving a trail of footprints.

Zhang Yuedong also smiled and said: "Yes, here, you can enjoy the beautiful natural scenery and feel the strong Buddhist atmosphere. It is really a pleasure."

Li Xiao lay on the beach, closed his eyes, felt the warmth of the sun and the breeze of the sea, and felt extremely comfortable: "I really want time to stop at this moment and enjoy this wonderful time."

After playing on the beach, they found a seaside restaurant to taste the local seafood. The restaurant was full of tourists, and everyone was enjoying the food. They ordered some local special seafood, including crabs, shrimps, fish, shellfish, etc. After a while, the dishes were served one after another.