Punch: From third-rate anchor to top chef

Chapter 1729

While tasting the food, they continued to stroll along the Ming and Qing Dynasty Street. After a while, they came to a shop selling Pingyao paper-cuts. The shop had a wide variety of paper-cuts, including animals, flowers, people and other themes, with exquisite shapes and lifelike. Li Xiao selected a few paper-cuts and prepared to take them back to give to his friends.

"These paper-cuts are so beautiful. Each one is full of traditional cultural flavor." Li Xiao said happily while holding the paper-cuts.

Zhang Yuedong also nodded in agreement: "Yes, Pingyao paper-cutting is one of the important schools of Chinese folk paper-cutting art, with a unique artistic style and expression method. It is mainly carved with knives, with smooth lines, simple shapes and rich imagination."

Lin Yifei learned about the paper-cutting production process and said: "To make a paper-cut, it takes many steps, including drafting, cutting, mounting, etc. Each step requires careful work by the paper-cutting artist to present such a beautiful work."

On Ming and Qing Street, they also tasted other special foods of Pingyao, such as bowl trays, oat noodle kuoluoluo, fried pork, etc. Each delicacy has a unique flavor that left them with an endless aftertaste.

Before I knew it, the sky gradually darkened, and the night in Pingyao Ancient City had a special charm. The lanterns on the city wall lit up one after another, decorating the ancient city particularly beautifully.

There were still many tourists on the street, and the shops were brightly lit and bustling. Li Xiao, Zhang Yuedong and Lin Yifei found an inn to stay in, ready to have a good rest and prepare for tomorrow's journey.

The ancient city of Pingyao under the night is like an antique painting, with dim lights and a unique charm. Li Xiao, Zhang Yuedong and Lin Yifei strolled on the streets of the ancient city, enjoying this quiet and historical night.

"The night in Pingyao Ancient City is so beautiful. It feels completely different from the daytime." Li Xiao couldn't help but sigh, his eyes attracted by the red lanterns hanging on the street. The light shines through the red lampshades and sprinkles on the bluestone road, creating a warm and romantic atmosphere.

Zhang Yuedong nodded in agreement: "Yes, the ancient city at night is more peaceful and mysterious, as if you can hear the whispers of history."

Lin Yifei looked around curiously at the surrounding buildings and said, "I wonder if there are any special events tonight. I really want to experience the charm of this ancient city more deeply."

As they were talking, they heard a cheerful sound of gongs and drums. "Hey, what's that sound?" Li Xiao pricked up his ears and listened carefully.

"It seems to come from over there. Let's go over and take a look." Zhang Yuedong said excitedly, pointing in the direction where the sound came from.

The three of them walked in the direction of the sound and found a group of people gathered in front of them, which was very lively. They squeezed through the crowd and saw a wonderful folk performance going on in a spacious open space.

The first thing that caught my eye was the Pingyao lacquerware production demonstration. An old craftsman sat at the table, concentrating on making lacquerware.

The brush in his hand slid gently over the lacquerware, his movements skillful and smooth. The surface of the lacquerware gradually showed a warm luster, as if it was given life.

"Wow, the production process of this polished lacquerware is so amazing." Li Xiao exclaimed, his eyes closely following the master's every move.

Zhang Yuedong also came forward and carefully observed the texture and color of the lacquerware. He said, "Yes, I only heard that Pingyao lacquerware is very famous before, but I didn't expect to see the production process with my own eyes and truly feel its charm. Each process embodies the hard work and wisdom of the craftsmen."

Lin Yifei asked the master about the production process and historical culture of polished lacquerware. The master answered his questions enthusiastically, allowing him to have a deeper understanding of polished lacquerware.

After appreciating the lacquerware production demonstration, the folk performance followed. A group of performers in brightly colored costumes walked onto the stage, holding various props, some dancing dragons, some lions, some dancing Yangko, and some performing performances such as carrying pavilions and stilts.

Their movements were in unison, their expressions were rich, and they were full of energy and enthusiasm.

"This community fire performance is so wonderful. It makes my blood boil." Li Xiao clapped his hands excitedly, with a joyful smile on his face.

Zhang Yuedong was also infected by the performers' enthusiasm and said, "Yes, these performances fully demonstrate the lifestyle and traditional culture of the Shanxi people. Dragon and lion dances symbolize good luck, while yangko dances express people's yearning for a better life."

While taking photos, Lin Yifei said: "These folk performances are not only an art form, but also a cultural heritage. They carry the historical memory and emotions of the Shanxi people and allow us to better understand the cultural heritage of this land."

During the performance, there were some interactive sessions. The host invited the audience to participate in the game on stage, and Li Xiao, Zhang Yuedong and Lin Yifei also actively participated.

They danced and played games with the performers and felt the strong festive atmosphere and the warm hospitality of the Shanxi people.

After the performance, the three were still immersed in the joyful atmosphere. "Today's folk performance really opened my eyes and I gained a lot." Li Xiao said with emotion.

Zhang Yuedong nodded in agreement: "Yes, it was an unforgettable experience. Through these performances, I have a deeper understanding of Shanxi's traditional culture."

Lin Yifei said: "I think these folk performances are not only for tourists, but also a display of Shanxi people's confidence in their own culture. We should protect and pass on these excellent traditional cultures."

The three of them continued to walk in the ancient city while discussing. The moonlight shone on them, and along with the night of the ancient city, it formed a beautiful picture. With full harvest and expectations for tomorrow's journey, they returned to the inn and prepared to welcome a new day.

Leaving Pingyao Ancient City, Li Xiao, Zhang Yuedong and Lin Yifei set off on a journey to Jinzhong Courtyard. Jinzhong Courtyard is an important symbol of Shanxi merchant culture. Its magnificent buildings carry the glorious history and legendary stories of Shanxi merchants. They are full of expectations and eager to unveil the mysterious veil of Jinzhong Courtyard and feel the unique charm of Shanxi merchant culture.

"I heard that Qiao's Courtyard and Wang's Courtyard are the representatives of Jinzhong's courtyards. Their architectural styles and historical backgrounds are very unique. We are in for a treat this time." Li Xiao said excitedly, with a gleam of anticipation in his eyes. Zhang Yuedong nodded in agreement: "Yes, Qiao's Courtyard is famous throughout the country because of the TV series Qiao's Courtyard, and Wang's Courtyard is known as the 'No. 1 Chinese Residence'. It is large in scale and beautifully built. I can't wait to see it with my own eyes."

Lin Yifei also added: "Not only that, these compounds also contain a deep spirit of Shanxi merchants. We can learn about the business philosophy, philosophy of life and family culture of Shanxi merchants. This is a rare learning opportunity for us."

The car sped along the road, and the scenery outside the window kept changing. Soon, they arrived at the Qiao Family Courtyard. Qiao Family Courtyard is located in Qiaojiabao Village, Qi County. It was the residence of Qiao Zhiyong, a famous Shanxi merchant in the Qing Dynasty. From a distance, a magnificent castle-like building complex came into view. The tall courtyard walls and exquisite gatehouses all demonstrated the glory of the Qiao family in those days.

"Wow, this is the Qiao Family Courtyard, so spectacular!" Li Xiao couldn't help but exclaim, deeply shocked by the scene before him.

Zhang Yuedong also praised: "It really lives up to its reputation. This building is magnificent and exquisitely designed. It is worthy of being an outstanding representative of the Shanxi Merchants' Courtyard."

Lin Yifei carefully observed the architectural style of the compound and said, "The Qiao Family Compound has a rigorous architectural layout and exquisite design. It looks like the Chinese character '囍' when viewed from above. It is divided into 6 large courtyards with 20 small courtyards inside. It is a fully enclosed structure with typical northern residential features. In addition, the decorative arts such as brick carvings, wood carvings, and stone carvings in the compound are very exquisite and unique."

The three of them walked into the Qiao Family Courtyard, as if they had traveled back to that prosperous era. In the courtyard, the bluestone paved ground was clean and tidy, and the antique buildings were scattered in an orderly manner. Each courtyard had its own unique style and purpose, with main rooms, wing rooms, embroidery buildings, study rooms, etc., reflecting the family structure and lifestyle of the Qiao family.

"Look, this is the main house of the Qiao family. It is magnificent with carved beams and painted rafters. The elders of the Qiao family must have lived here in the past." Li Xiao said, pointing to a magnificent building.

Zhang Yuedong nodded in agreement: "Yes, the main house is the core of the entire courtyard. It is usually where the elders live. From this exquisite building and decoration, we can see that the Qiao family respects and values ​​their elders."

Lin Yifei became interested in the furnishings in the main room. He walked into the room and carefully observed the furniture, calligraphy and paintings, and ornaments inside. He said: "These furnishings not only reflect the wealth and taste of the Qiao family, but also reflect the social culture and aesthetic concepts of the time.

Look at this large carved bed. It has exquisite craftsmanship and beautiful shape. The patterns on it symbolize good luck, fertility and happiness, which fully demonstrates the charm of traditional Chinese culture."

They continued to tour the Qiao Family Courtyard, admiring every exquisite building and decoration. In the Qiao Family's study, they saw the books and stationery that the Qiao Family's children had read and used, and felt the Qiao Family's emphasis on education and cultural heritage.

In the Qiao family's ancestral hall, they learned about the Qiao family's family history, family motto and rules, and gained a deeper understanding of the Qiao family's culture.

"The Qiao family's family motto and rules are very strict, and they focus on moral cultivation and business integrity. This is one of the important reasons why the Qiao family has been able to prosper for a long time," Lin Yifei said with emotion.

Li Xiao also agreed: "Yes, 'Don't ask others for fame and fortune, ask yourself; cherish clothes and food, not money, but fate and blessings', these family mottos are not only the code of conduct for the Qiao family, but also the life wisdom we should learn."

Zhang Yuedong said: "The Qiao family's business philosophy of integrity is worthy of our reference. They are honest and trustworthy and have won the trust of customers and the recognition of the market. This spirit is still very important in today's society."

After leaving Qiao's Courtyard, they went to Wang's Courtyard. Wang's Courtyard is located in Jingsheng Town, Lingshi County. It is a residential complex built by the Jingsheng Wang family, a prominent family in Lingshi, during the reigns of Emperor Kangxi and Emperor Jiaqing of the Qing Dynasty. Compared with Qiao's Courtyard, Wang's Courtyard is larger in scale and has a more unique architectural style.

"Wow, this Wang family compound is simply a castle, so shocking!" Li Xiao exclaimed as he stood at the gate of the Wang family compound.

Zhang Yuedong was also impressed by the grandeur of the Wang Family Courtyard and said, "The Wang Family Courtyard is indeed worthy of its reputation. It covers an area of ​​25 square meters and has five alleys, six forts and one street. It is simply a huge building complex."

Lin Yifei introduced: "The architecture of Wang's Courtyard combines the characteristics of northern folk houses and official residences. It is both practical and ornamental. The layout of the courtyard is rigorous and the levels are clear. Each courtyard has its unique function and significance. Moreover, the 'three carvings' art of Wang's Courtyard - stone carving, brick carving and wood carving - has reached the pinnacle and can be called an artistic treasure."

The three of them walked into the Wang Family Courtyard and were immediately attracted by the beautiful scenery in front of them. In the courtyard, pavilions, towers, winding paths, and secluded paths exude a strong cultural atmosphere everywhere. They walked along the stone road, admiring the exquisite buildings and carvings on both sides.

At the Hongmen Fort in the Wang Family Compound, they saw a magnificent castle-like building with tall and thick walls and majestic city gates, as if they could see the glory and majesty of the Wang family in the past.

"This Hongmen Fort is so spectacular. It feels like a small castle." Li Xiao couldn't help but sigh.

Zhang Yuedong nodded in agreement: "Yes, the architectural layout of Hongmen Fort is very clever, in a regular rectangular shape, with four rows of houses running from north to south, and divided into two major areas, east and west, by a north-south longitudinal street.

Moreover, the courtyards within the fortress, with doors within doors, form a unique spatial layout that makes people feel like they are in a maze.”

Lin Yifei praised the carving art of Hongmenbao. He pointed to a stone carving and said, "Look at this stone carving. The craftsmanship is exquisite and the shape is lifelike. The figures and animals on it are lifelike, as if telling ancient stories. This is not only a work of art, but also a testimony to the history and culture of Wangjiayuan."

They continued to tour the Wang Family Courtyard, visiting buildings such as Shilu Fort and Chongning Fort. Each building has its own unique style and characteristics, which made them linger. In the ancestral hall of the Wang Family Courtyard, they learned about the family history and heritage of the Wang family and gained a deeper understanding of the family culture of the Wang family.

"The Wang family has been able to survive hundreds of years of development, not only thanks to their business acumen, but also thanks to their family culture and heritage," Lin Yifei said with emotion.

Li Xiao also agreed: "Yes, the Wang family attaches great importance to family unity and inheritance, and emphasizes the values ​​of respecting the elderly and loving the young, and treating people with integrity. These are all worth learning from."

Zhang Yuedong said: "Moreover, the Wang family also attaches great importance to education and has cultivated many outstanding talents, providing solid support for the development of the family."

While touring the Jinzhong Courtyard, Li Xiao, Zhang Yuedong and Lin Yifei not only appreciated the exquisite architecture and sculpture art, but also felt the profoundness of the Shanxi merchant culture and the greatness of the Shanxi merchant spirit.