Punch: From third-rate anchor to top chef

Zhang Yuedong nodded in agreement: "Yes, no wonder the ancients said 'Yandang is the best in the world, Lingyan is the most unique'. After seeing it today, it is indeed worthy of its reputation."

Lin Yifei took his camera and kept taking pictures, wanting to record the beautiful scenery: "Such a beautiful scenery, I must take more pictures and show them to my friends when I get back."

They first came to the Lingfeng Scenic Area. Walking along the Mingyu River, the mountain walls were full of dangerous peaks and the stream was gurgling. The sun shone through the gaps in the leaves and sprinkled on the ground, forming patches of light. It was daytime, and the Hezhang Peak towered into the clouds, like two hands clasped together, praying devoutly.

"This Hezhang Peak looks so spectacular. I wonder what it will look like at night." Li Xiao said curiously while looking at Hezhang Peak.

Zhang Yuedong smiled and said, "I heard that the night view of Lingfeng is the most charming. At that time, the Gassho Peak will become the Couple Peak, which is very romantic."

Lin Yifei was also full of anticipation: "Then we must come back tonight to see and feel this magical change."

Continuing forward, they saw the Acacia Girl Peak. Standing at the Lingfeng Hotel and looking up towards the southwest corner, it looked like a slender girl in a cheongsam, gazing into the distance with a melancholy look, as if expressing endless longing. When they moved to the eaves of the Lingfeng Hotel and looked back, the Acacia Girl transformed into an eagle with its wings folded high. They were amazed by the wonderful feeling of changing scenery.

“The peaks of Yandang Mountain are so magical. They change so much when you look at them from different angles.” Li Xiao exclaimed with shock written all over his face.

Zhang Yuedong also nodded and said: "Yes, this is the charm of Yandang Mountain. Every scenic spot is full of surprises."

Lin Yifei said excitedly: "It feels like playing a wonderful visual game. It's so interesting."

After leaving Lingfeng Scenic Area, they headed to Lingyan Scenic Area. In Lingyan Scenic Area, Tianzhu Peak and Zhanqi Peak face each other, towering thousands of feet high and majestic. Looking up, it seems as if two giants stand between heaven and earth, making people feel insignificant.

"The Tianzhu Peak and Zhanqi Peak are so majestic. They feel like guards protecting this land." Li Xiao looked at the two peaks and exclaimed.

Zhang Yuedong went on to say: "And the shapes of these two peaks are also very unique, one is like a pillar of heaven, and the other is like a flag. Nature is really amazing."

Lin Yifei said: "It would definitely be a great experience if we could climb these two peaks and overlook the entire scenic area."

In Lingyan Scenic Area, they also watched the wonderful Lingyan Flying Crossing performance, in which performers performed various thrilling movements such as somersaults and handstands on the high-altitude ropes between Tianzhu Peak and Zhanqi Peak, which attracted bursts of exclamations from the audience.

"This performance is so wonderful, and they are so brave." Li Xiao watched the performance nervously, holding the railing tightly with both hands.

Zhang Yuedong also said: "Yes, this requires great courage and skills. I really admire them."

Lin Yifei clapped excitedly: "It's amazing. This is one of the most exciting performances I have ever seen."

After watching the show, they came to Xiaolongqiu. The waterfall of Xiaolongqiu rushed down from a height, like a white ribbon, glittering in the sunlight. Below the waterfall, the water was clear and the fish swam freely in the water.

"The Xiaolongqiu waterfall is so beautiful. It feels like a natural painting." Li Xiao looked at the waterfall and was intoxicated by it.

Zhang Yuedong nodded and said, "Yes, the sound of this waterfall is also very beautiful, like a beautiful piece of music."

Lin Yifei squatted by the pond and reached out to touch the cool water: "This water is so cool, so comfortable."

After leaving Lingyan Scenic Area, they headed to Dalongqiu Scenic Area. Dalongqiu Waterfall is one of the most famous attractions in Yandang Mountain. It has a drop of 197 meters and is known as the "No. Waterfall in the World". When they saw Dalongqiu Waterfall from afar, they were shocked by its majestic momentum.

"Wow, this Dalongqiu Waterfall is so spectacular, it's simply a masterpiece of nature." Li Xiao couldn't help but exclaim loudly, with excitement flashing in his eyes.

Zhang Yuedong was also attracted by the scene before his eyes: "This waterfall falls from such a high place, the sound is deafening, it's so shocking."

Lin Yifei said: "This waterfall is like a galloping dragon, cascading down from the sky. It's amazing."

They walked along the mountain road towards the Dalongqiu Waterfall, feeling the coolness brought by the splashing water.

The water of the waterfall pours down from the cliff, hits the rocks, splashes layers of water, forms a mist, and under the sunlight, a beautiful rainbow appears.

"This rainbow is so beautiful. I didn't expect to see a rainbow here." Li Xiao pointed at the rainbow excitedly, with a joyful smile on his face.

Zhang Yuedong also said: "Yes, this rainbow adds a mysterious color to the Dalongqiu Waterfall. It's really beautiful."

Lin Yifei picked up his camera and kept taking pictures of the rainbow and waterfall: "I must record this beautiful moment."

In the Dalongqiu Scenic Area, they also admired the "scissor peaks" with changing views. As the viewing angle changes, the scissor peaks present different postures, sometimes like a pair of scissors, sometimes like a woodpecker, and sometimes like an immortal in a robe, which makes people marvel at the magic of nature.

"This Scissor Peak is so interesting. It really looks like different things when viewed from different angles." Li Xiao said with a smile, full of curiosity about this magical sight.

Zhang Yuedong nodded and said, "Yes, this is the wonder of Yandang Mountain. Every scenic spot is full of surprises and fun."

Lin Yifei also said: "It feels like in Yandang Mountain, every step you take, you can discover new beauty, it's really intoxicating."

The strong aroma of meat and spices blended in the mouth, leaving a lasting aftertaste. "It's so delicious, this knife-cut noodles is really as good as its reputation!" Li Xiao praised it as he ate. Zhang Yuedong and Lin Yifei also hurried to taste it. "Well, the texture of this noodle is great, and the marinade is just right, salty and delicious, it's really delicious." Zhang Yuedong said.

Lin Yifei also nodded in agreement: "Yes, this knife-cut noodles not only tastes good, but also has very sophisticated production techniques. When the chef cuts the noodles, his movements are skillful and smooth, just like performing a wonderful art."

While enjoying the knife-cut noodles, they admired the introduction about the history of knife-cut noodles hanging on the wall of the store.

It turns out that there is an interesting legend about the origin of knife-cut noodles. It is said that after the Mongolian Tatars occupied the Central Plains, in order to prevent the "Han people" from rebelling, they confiscated all the metal in every household and stipulated that 10 households should use one kitchen knife, which they would take turns using for cutting vegetables and cooking, and then return to the Tatars for safekeeping.

One day at noon, an old woman kneaded noodles and asked an old man to get a knife. However, the knife was taken away by someone else, so the old man had to go back. When he was leaving the gate of Tatar, his foot was hit by a thin piece of iron sheet. He picked it up and put it in his arms. After returning home, the pot was boiling. The whole family was waiting for the knife to cut noodles, but the knife was not brought back. The old man was so anxious that he suddenly remembered the iron sheet in his arms, so he took it out and said, "Use this iron sheet to cut noodles!"

The old woman saw that the iron sheet was thin and soft, and she muttered, "How can something so soft cut noodles?" The old man said angrily, "If you can't cut it, chop it up."

The word "chop" reminded the wife. She put the dough on a wooden board, held it with her left hand, held the iron sheet with her right hand, and stood by the boiling water pot to "chop" the dough. Pieces of dough fell into the pot. After they were cooked, they were scooped into a bowl, poured with marinade and let the old man eat first. The old man ate and said:

"It's great, it's great, we don't have to get a kitchen knife to cut noodles anymore." Word of mouth spread from one person to ten, and from ten to a hundred, until it spread throughout Jinzhong, and knife-cut noodles were born.

"I didn't expect knife-cut noodles to have such a historical background. It's really interesting." Li Xiao said with emotion.

Zhang Yuedong also said: "Yes, this is not only a delicacy, but also a cultural heritage. It witnesses the changes of history and also reflects the wisdom of the working people."

Lin Yifei said: "Now knife-cut noodles have become a food name card of Shanxi, and have spread all over the country, allowing more people to taste this unique delicacy."

As they were talking, mutton offal and rabbit heads were served. The soup of mutton offal was thick, white, fresh and fragrant, with mutton heart, lungs, liver, intestines, etc., as well as smooth vermicelli, sprinkled with a handful of green onions and coriander, and red chili oil floating on the soup, which made people salivate. The rabbit head was braised to a ruddy color and fragrant, making people want to feast on it.

"Come, try this mutton offal." Li Xiao said, scooping a spoonful of soup and taking a sip. The soup tastes mellow and rich, the mutton offal has a rich and varied taste, the vermicelli is smooth and chewy, and the chili oil is stimulating. After taking a sip, people will instantly feel warm and refreshed. "This mutton offal tastes really good, very delicious, and there is no smell of mutton at all." Li Xiao praised.

Zhang Yuedong also tasted the mutton offal and nodded in agreement: "Yes, this soup is very flavorful, and the mutton offal is also cleaned very well. It tastes very good."

Lin Yifei picked up a rabbit head and started chewing it. The bones of the rabbit head became soft and delicious, while the meat remained tender and fresh. It was spicy and fragrant, and it was so delicious that people couldn't stop eating it. "This rabbit head is so delicious. The more I chew it, the more delicious it is. I can't stop eating it." Lin Yifei said as he ate.

The three of them tasted the food and exchanged their feelings. They were deeply impressed by Datong's food, not only because of the taste, but also because of the rich cultural connotations behind the food. These foods are like a window, allowing them to better understand the history and customs of the city of Datong.

"This trip to Datong was really rewarding. Not only did I enjoy the beautiful natural scenery, but I also tasted so many delicious foods," Li Xiao said with emotion.

Zhang Yuedong also nodded in agreement: "Yes, Datong's food has given me a deeper understanding and love for this city. If I have the chance in the future, I will come again."

Lin Yifei smiled and said: "I can't wait to recommend these delicacies to more friends, so that they can also experience the charm of Datong's food."

After finishing their meal, the three of them left the noodle shop with satisfied smiles. Their taste buds were still immersed in the aftertaste of the food, and their hearts were already deeply attracted by the city of Datong. They were looking forward to their next trip, and looking forward to continuing to explore more food and stories in this charming city.

During their stay in Datong, Li Xiao, Zhang Yuedong and Lin Yifei were most looking forward to visiting the Yungang Grottoes. On this sunny day, they embarked on a journey to the Yungang Grottoes with admiration for ancient art. Along the way, the three of them enthusiastically discussed the history and artistic value of the Yungang Grottoes, and their hearts were full of expectations.

"The Yungang Grottoes are a world-famous treasure house of stone carving art with a history of more than 1500 years. This time we must appreciate those exquisite Buddha statues and carvings." Li Xiao said excitedly, with anticipation gleaming in his eyes.

Zhang Yuedong nodded in agreement: "Yes, it is said that the Buddha statues in the Yungang Grottoes incorporate a variety of cultural elements, with both Western style and Central Plains culture. It must be very shocking."

Lin Yifei also added: "The excavation of the Yungang Grottoes took a long time, and the styles of statues in different periods are also different. We can feel the changes of history and the inheritance of culture from them."

The car slowly drove into the Yungang Grottoes Scenic Area, and a magnificent building came into view. The gate of the scenic area is solemn and simple, with four large characters "Yungang Grottoes" engraved on it, as if telling people about its long history. Entering the scenic area, a wide avenue leads to the grottoes, with tall stone pillars standing on both sides of the avenue, and exquisite Buddha statues and patterns carved on the stone pillars, making people feel as if they are in a Buddhist world.

"Wow, the architecture in this scenic area is so spectacular. I can feel its unique charm even before I see the grottoes." Li Xiao couldn't help but sigh.

Zhang Yuedong was also attracted by the scene in front of him and said, "Yes, this building has a unique style and is full of historical charm. It makes people look forward to the grottoes inside even more."

Lin Yifei carefully observed the carvings on the stone pillars and said, "These carvings are exquisitely crafted, and every detail is handled very well, fully demonstrating the superb skills of ancient craftsmen."

Walking along the road, they came to the core area of ​​Yungang Grottoes. From a distance, caves were carved into the mountain, densely packed like a honeycomb. These caves were of different sizes and shapes, some were tall and spacious, some were small and exquisite, and each cave contained endless mystery and charm.

"Look, that's the Yungang Grottoes. It's so shocking!" Li Xiao pointed ahead and shouted excitedly.

The three of them could not wait to walk into the first cave. The cave was dimly lit and filled with an ancient atmosphere. Buddha statues sat quietly in the cave, some of them were tall and majestic, some were small and exquisite, and each Buddha statue was carved vividly, as if telling a story from thousands of years ago.

"These Buddha statues are so exquisite, each one seems to have life." Li Xiao said softly, afraid to disturb the sleeping Buddha statues.

Zhang Yuedong also nodded in agreement: "Yes, the expressions and demeanors of these Buddha statues are all different. Some are kind, some are solemn, and some are smiling. Each one contains profound connotations."

Lin Yifei carefully observed the clothing and shapes of the Buddha statues and said: "The clothing and shapes of these Buddha statues integrate multiple cultural elements, with both the characteristics of Indian Buddhist art and the style of traditional Chinese art, reflecting the prosperity of cultural exchanges at that time." (End of this chapter)