Punch: From third-rate anchor to top chef

Chapter 1738

Zhang Yuedong walked into a cave curiously, looked at the stalactites and stalagmites inside, and said, "How are these stalactites and stalagmites formed?"

Li Xiao explained: "Stalactites and stalagmites are formed by groundwater dissolving calcium carbonate in limestone, and then dripping into the cave and settling over a long period of time. Their shape and size depend on factors such as the size of the water droplets, the speed of the dripping, and the environment in the cave."

Lin Yifei also walked into the cave and carefully observed the stalactites and stalagmites. He said: "Nature is so amazing. These stalactites and stalagmites are like pieces of art. They are amazing."

The three of them spent a long time in Yunlong Ground Crack Scenic Area before reluctantly leaving. They took the sightseeing elevator to Qixingzhai Scenic Area, ready to challenge more spectacular scenery.

Qixingzhai Scenic Area is located in the core area of ​​Enshi Grand Canyon. It has unique peaks, deep canyons and towering cliffs. It is one of the most representative scenic spots in Enshi Grand Canyon. The three climbed up along the steep mountain road, enjoying the beautiful scenery around them. The peaks are in various shapes, some like camels, some like pen holders, some like swords, and some like fairies. Each peak seems to be a work of art carefully carved by nature, which makes people admire it.

Zhang Yuedong panted as he climbed the mountain: "This mountain is really hard to climb, but the scenery is so beautiful, it's all worth it."

Lin Yifei smiled and said: "Persistence is victory. When we reach the top of the mountain, we will be able to see more beautiful scenery."

Li Xiao encouraged everyone, saying, "Come on, we will soon reach the cliff corridor, where the scenery is even more spectacular."

After some efforts, they finally arrived at the Cliff Corridor. The Cliff Corridor is a plank road built on the cliff, with a total length of more than 1000 meters, 537 meters above the ground, winding up along the cliff, like a ladder hanging in the mountains. Standing on the Cliff Corridor, there is a deep abyss under your feet and rolling mountains in the distance, which makes people feel thrilling and enjoy the unparalleled beauty.

Zhang Yuedong walked carefully on the plank road, holding the railing tightly, not daring to look down, and said: "This plank road is too dangerous, my legs are a little weak."

Lin Yifei boldly walked to the railing, overlooking the abyss, and said: "This scenery is so shocking. Standing here, it seems that I can touch the sky."

Li Xiao smiled and said, "Don't be afraid. As long as you don't look down, it won't be so scary. Appreciate the beautiful scenery around you, and you will find that it's all worth it."

The three of them walked slowly along the cliff corridor, enjoying the beautiful scenery around them and feeling the power of nature. The peaks in the distance were looming in the clouds, like an ink painting; the cliffs nearby were steep and precipitous, making people afraid. The mountain breeze blew, bringing bursts of coolness, making people feel relaxed and happy.

After leaving the cliff corridor, they continued to climb up and came to the narrow gap between two peaks. The narrow gap between two peaks can only accommodate one person at the narrowest point. Walking into the narrow gap and looking up, there was only a thin line in the sky. The sunlight sprinkled through the gap, forming golden beams, like a dream.

Zhang Yuedong walked sideways into the narrow strip of sky and said, "This narrow strip of sky is really too narrow. It feels like being sandwiched between two mountains."

Lin Yifei also walked carefully and said, "This place is really magical. Walking here is like entering a mysterious world."

Li Xiao reminded everyone: "Watch your step, the road here is quite rugged, please be safe."

The three of them struggled forward in the narrow gap, feeling the magic and power of nature. After a while, they walked out of the narrow gap, and the view suddenly opened up, and a towering mountain appeared in front of them.

This peak is the iconic landscape of Enshi Grand Canyon - A Stick of Incense. A Stick of Incense is about 150 meters high, with a diameter of 6 meters at the bottom and a minimum diameter of only 4 meters. It is large at the top and small at the bottom, like a stick of incense piercing the sky. It stands proudly among the peaks, and has survived thousands of years of wind and rain erosion, but it still stands tall, as if it is the guardian of nature, guarding this magical land.

Zhang Yuedong looked at the incense stick and exclaimed, "This incense stick is so magical. Such a thin base can actually support such a tall mountain. It's incredible."

Lin Yifei was also shocked by the magic of the incense stick. He kept taking photos and said, "This is definitely the work of nature. I want to record this magical scene forever."

Li Xiao introduced: "There is also a beautiful legend about the incense stick. According to legend, this is a stick of incense that a fairy prayed to the Jade Emperor to save the local people. The Jade Emperor was moved by the fairy's kindness and courage, so he turned the incense stick into a mountain to bless the people here with peace and happiness."

The three of them stayed in front of a stick of incense for a long time, admiring this magical mountain, feeling the charm of nature and the charm of legends. Afterwards, they visited the Lovers Peak, the Earth and Mountains, the Mother-Child Love and other scenic spots. Each scenic spot has its own unique charm, which makes people intoxicated and linger.

Lover's Peak is two peaks leaning against each other, like a pair of lovers hugging each other affectionately, telling of eternal love; The Earth and Mountains is a group of natural landscapes composed of peaks, canyons and forests. It seems like a magnificent landscape painting, showing the majesty and grandeur of nature; The Deep Love between Mother and Child is a combination of a mountain and a boulder. The mountain is like a mother, and the boulder is like a child. The mother holds the child tightly, full of deep maternal love.

Zhang Yuedong said with emotion: "The scenery of Enshi Grand Canyon is so beautiful, every place is amazing. The mountains, canyons, waterfalls and caves here seem to be works of art created by nature with the most exquisite craftsmanship."

Lin Yifei also said: "Yes, this trip to Enshi Grand Canyon is really worthwhile. The natural scenery here not only feasts our eyes, but also makes us feel the magic and greatness of nature."

Li Xiao smiled and said, "There are more beautiful sights in Enshi Grand Canyon. There are still many places we haven't visited. We will explore them again next time we have a chance."

Before they knew it, the sun had gradually set, and a gorgeous sunset glow appeared on the horizon. The three of them had been playing in the Enshi Grand Canyon for a whole day. Although they were a little tired, they were in a very good mood. They not only enjoyed the beautiful scenery of the Enshi Grand Canyon, but also felt the magic and power of nature. They gained a lot. Zhang Yuedong looked at the time and said, "It's so late, we should go back. I had so much fun in the Enshi Grand Canyon today. This will be one of the most unforgettable experiences in my life."

Lin Yifei also said: "Yes, everything here impressed me deeply. I must share these beautiful scenery and experiences with my friends when I go back, so that they can also feel the charm of Enshi Grand Canyon."

Li Xiao said: "Okay, let's go back to the hotel and rest first, and then go to other places tomorrow. There are still many interesting places in Enshi waiting for us to explore."

So, the three of them left the scenic area with beautiful memories of Enshi Grand Canyon and expectations for tomorrow. The magnificent scenery of Enshi Grand Canyon will always remain in their hearts and become a precious treasure in their lives.

On the third day in Enshi, the three decided to go to a Tujia village to experience the folk culture of the Tujia people. They took a local minibus and drove along the winding mountain road. On both sides of the mountain road, there were undulating mountains and green trees. Occasionally, you could see a few families scattered in the mountains, with curling smoke rising from the chimneys, like a peaceful pastoral painting.

Zhang Yuedong looked out the window and said excitedly: "It feels like we are getting closer and closer to nature. It feels so good."

Lin Yifei also said with emotion: "Yes, away from the hustle and bustle of the city, coming to this quiet mountain village, it seems that time has slowed down."

Li Xiao smiled and said, "When we get to the village, you will be able to feel the unique cultural charm of the Tujia people. The people here are warm and hospitable, and the folk activities are rich and colorful, which will definitely open your eyes."

After more than an hour's drive, the minibus finally arrived at the Tujia village. As soon as they got off the bus, they were attracted by the scene in front of them. Most of the buildings in the village are wooden stilt houses, built against the mountain, and scattered in an orderly manner. The roofs of the stilt houses are covered with green tiles, with flying eaves and brackets, full of ancient charm. The courtyard in front of the building is full of various flowers and fruit trees. The colorful flowers sway gently in the breeze, exuding bursts of fragrance.

At this time, an old man in traditional Tujia costume came up to greet them warmly. He smiled and said to the three people: "Welcome to our village. I am the village owner here. You can just call me Lao Zhang."

Li Xiao hurriedly stepped forward to shake hands with the old man and said, "Hello, Village Master Zhang. We have heard of the Tujia village for a long time. Today we finally have the opportunity to experience the folk culture of the Tujia people."

Village Chief Zhang said with a smile: "You have come to the right place. There is a folk performance in our village today. You can enjoy it later."

As he spoke, Zhang, the village chief, led the three people into the mountain village. Along the way, they saw many traditional Tujia handicrafts, such as Xilankapu, wood carvings, bamboo weaving, etc. These handicrafts are exquisitely made, with unique patterns and full of strong ethnic style. Zhang Yuedong picked up a Xilankapu and looked at it carefully. The pattern on it was a beautiful phoenix, lifelike, as if it was about to spread its wings and fly high. Zhang Yuedong exclaimed: "This Xilankapu is so beautiful, the craftsmanship is simply amazing."

Lin Yifei also took photos nearby. He said: "These handicrafts are so unique. I want to take photos of them and show them to my friends when I get back."

Li Xiao introduced: "Xilankapu is a traditional brocade of the Tujia people. It has a long history and complex craftsmanship. Each Xilankapu contains the wisdom and emotions of the Tujia people and is a treasure of Tujia culture."

The three followed Zhang the village chief to the central square of the village, where many tourists and local villagers had gathered. A stage was built on one side of the square, on which were placed various musical instruments, such as gongs, drums, and suona. Soon, the folk performance officially began. The first performance was the waving dance. A group of men, women, and children dressed in traditional Tujia costumes walked onto the stage, holding handkerchiefs and colorful fans in their hands, and dancing to the cheerful rhythm of the music.

The movements of the hand-waving dance are simple and rhythmic. The dancers' bodies swing to the rhythm of the music, with their hands and feet moving at the same time, swinging their hands and feet at the same side. The movements are rough and healthy, and the postures are smooth and natural. Their faces are filled with bright smiles, as if telling the happy life of the Tujia people. Zhang Yuedong was fascinated by the dance. He couldn't help but swing his body to the rhythm of the music. He said excitedly: "This hand-waving dance is so interesting, it feels full of energy."

Lin Yifei kept recording these wonderful moments with his camera. He said: "This hand-waving dance is really unique. I want to preserve these beautiful moments."

Li Xiao introduced that "the waving hand dance is an ancient traditional dance of the Tujia ethnic group. It combines dance art with physical fitness and is known as the 'Oriental Disco'. It is a mass dance performed by the Tujia people during activities such as worshiping their ancestors, praying for the New Year, and celebrating festivals. Its main content tells stories about the origin of mankind, ethnic migration, and heroic deeds."

Next, folk programs such as crying at the wedding and Maogus dance were performed on the stage. Crying at the wedding is a unique cultural phenomenon in the Tujia wedding customs. On the night before the bride's wedding, the parents invite 9 unmarried girls from their friends to sit around the table with the bride and sing all night, so it is called the song of ten sisters. During the performance, the bride and her sisters sang in a low and sad voice, telling the grace of their parents' upbringing, the deep friendship of brothers and sisters, and the feeling of separation, which moved people. Maogus dance is a primitive dance. The dancers wear straw clothes and straw hats, imitating the movements and life scenes of the ancients, showing the labor and life of the Tujia ancestors.

Zhang Yuedong watched the performance of crying at a wedding and said with emotion: "I didn't expect the Tujia wedding customs to be so unique. This crying at a wedding song is really touching."

Lin Yifei also said: "Yes, these folk performances have given us a deeper understanding of the Tujia culture. Each program contains rich cultural connotations."

Li Xiao said: "The Tujia people also have many other folk cultures, such as their food culture and architectural culture, which are very worth our understanding and experience."

After the performance, Zhang, the village chief, invited the three to his home. Zhang's home is a typical stilted building, with a kitchen and utility room on the first floor, and a living room and bedroom on the second floor. There is an eight-immortal table and several chairs in the living room, and some traditional Tujia embroidery and photos are hung on the wall. Zhang, the village chief, warmly invited the three to sit down, and then served some local special snacks, such as community rice, oil tea, corn cakes, etc.

Village chief Zhang said, "Come and try our Tujia delicacies. These are all made by us, pure and natural without pollution."

Li Xiao picked up a piece of community rice and put it in his mouth. The community rice had a soft and glutinous texture, with a faint aroma of wormwood. It also contained bacon, wild onions and other ingredients, and tasted very delicious. Li Xiao praised it highly: "This community rice is so delicious. I had only heard of it before, but today I finally tasted the authentic one."