Punch: From third-rate anchor to top chef

Chapter 1758

The plane slowly landed at Xi'an Xianyang International Airport. Li Xiao, Zhang Yuedong and Lin Yifei walked out of the terminal with their suitcases in their irrepressible excitement. Xi'an, an ancient capital with a thousand-year history, was like a huge historical treasure box that was about to be slowly opened in front of them.

"We're finally in Xi'an. I can't wait to see those long-famous historical sites!" Li Xiao said excitedly while looking around.

Zhang Yuedong smiled and continued, "Yes, especially the Terracotta Warriors. I have only seen them in textbooks and on TV before, but this time I can finally see them with my own eyes."

Lin Yifei took a deep breath and felt the atmosphere of the city: "I can already smell the scent of history. Maybe I can even meet the 'ancients' who traveled from ancient times!"

The three chatted and laughed as they took a taxi to the hotel. Along the way, the city of Xi'an outside the car window was like a flowing painting, with the ancient city walls and modern high-rise buildings complementing each other, with both a heavy sense of history and the vitality of a modern city.

The next morning, they arrived at the Qin Shi Huang Terracotta Warriors and Horses Museum. As soon as they entered the museum, a solemn atmosphere hit them. Under the guidance of the tour guide, they first came to Pit No. 1.

When the huge terracotta formation appeared before their eyes, the three were deeply shocked and speechless. They saw densely packed terracotta warriors and horses neatly arranged in the pit, with a magnificent momentum, like an army ready to go to war at any time.

"This is so spectacular!" Li Xiao couldn't help but sigh. "I couldn't feel this kind of shock when I saw the pictures before. Only when I stand here can I truly experience the great ambitions of Qin Shihuang back then."

Zhang Yuedong stared at the terracotta warriors and murmured to himself, "Each terracotta warrior has a different look. Some have firm eyes, while others look solemn. It's hard to imagine how the ancients did it."

Lin Yifei approached a terracotta warrior and carefully observed its facial details: "Look, even the hair and beard are carved so finely, the craftsmanship is simply amazing!"

The tour guide patiently explained the history and production process of the Terracotta Warriors: "These Terracotta Warriors are funerary objects of the Qin Shihuang Mausoleum. Their existence is not only to show the majesty of Qin Shihuang, but also the crystallization of the wisdom and skills of ancient craftsmen. The scale of the entire Terracotta Warriors Pit is grand. Pit No. 230 is 62 meters long from east to west, 5 meters wide from north to south, 14260 meters deep, and covers an area of ​​ square meters. There are a large number of Terracotta Warriors inside, and each Terracotta Warrior has its own unique identity and responsibilities."

Listening to the guide's explanation, the three people had a deeper understanding of the historical stories behind the Terracotta Warriors and Horses, and they were more awed by these ancient cultural relics. They walked slowly along the passage of the Terracotta Warriors and Horses, stopping from time to time to take pictures, wanting to record this shocking scene forever.

Ancient City Wall Cycling

After coming out of the Terracotta Warriors Museum, the three of them took a short break and then headed to the Ancient City Wall of Xi'an. The Ancient City Wall is one of the landmark buildings of Xi'an. It is like a giant dragon winding through the center of the city, witnessing the rise and fall of Xi'an.

Arriving at the foot of the city wall, Li Xiao looked up at the tall city wall and exclaimed: "This city wall is so majestic. It feels more spectacular than I imagined."

Zhang Yuedong suggested: "Why don't we rent a few bicycles and ride along the city wall. This way we can enjoy the scenery and exercise at the same time."

Lin Yifei agreed with both hands: "This is a good idea. I can't wait to experience the feeling of riding on the city wall."

So they rented three bicycles and climbed the city wall from Yongning Gate. The road on the city wall was wide and flat, and the sunlight shone on the ancient bricks, emitting a faint golden glow. The three of them rode their bicycles slowly, feeling the comfort of the breeze on their faces.

Along the way, they saw the arrow towers, enemy towers and corner towers on the city wall. These ancient buildings were scattered in an orderly manner, forming a unique picture. Outside the city wall, the moat was sparkling, and the weeping willows by the river were swaying, which set off the ancient city wall like a beautiful ink painting.

During the ride, they also met some local residents, some of whom were walking on the city wall, some were flying kites, and everyone's face was filled with leisurely smiles. Li Xiao couldn't help but chat with an old man: "Uncle, do you often come to walk on the city wall?"

The old man smiled and replied: "Yes, I come here every day. This city wall is the root of our Xi'an. Looking at it makes me feel at ease."

"Then you must be very familiar with this city wall. Can you tell us its story?" Zhang Yuedong asked curiously.

The old man spoke enthusiastically: "This city wall has a long history. It was first built in the Ming Dynasty. After many repairs and expansions, it has reached its current size. In the past, this city wall was the city's defense and played a vital role. Now, although it is no longer used for military defense, it has become a symbol of our Xi'an and has attracted countless tourists to visit."

Listening to the old man's story, the three of them had a deeper understanding of the history of the ancient city wall. They continued to ride, admiring the beautiful scenery around the city wall and feeling the unique charm of this ancient capital. As the sun set, the afterglow sprinkled on the city wall, dyeing the entire city wall golden, like a beautiful painting. The three of them stayed on the city wall for a long time, until night fell, and then they left reluctantly.

After a day of shopping, the three people's stomachs were already growling. So they decided to try Xi'an's specialties. Recommended by the locals, they came to a popular Pao Mo restaurant. As soon as they entered the restaurant, the rich aroma of mutton hit their noses, making them salivate.

"I've heard that Xi'an's mutton soup steamed buns are very famous. Today I can finally enjoy it." Li Xiao said while rubbing his hands excitedly.

Zhang Yuedong looked at the menu and added, "I heard that there are some rules for eating mutton soup steamed buns. The steamed buns should be broken into smaller pieces, so that they can better absorb the flavor of the soup."

The waiter brought three large bowls of mutton soup steamed buns and a few Baiji steamed buns. The crust of the steamed buns was baked golden and crispy, with an attractive luster. Li Xiao couldn't wait to pick up a steamed bun and started to break it, but the bun was very tough and it was really difficult to break it. "This steamed bun is really hard. It feels much harder to break than I thought." Li Xiao complained while breaking it.

Lin Yifei smiled and joked: "This is the authentic way. If it breaks easily, it will be soulless." The three of them took some effort to finally break the steamed bun. After a while, the steaming mutton soup steamed bun was served. The milky white soup was soaked with golden steamed bun, tender mutton and crystal clear vermicelli, and it was dotted with green coriander and chopped green onions, which made people's appetite increase.

Li Xiao took a sip of the soup first. The mellow and delicious soup instantly spread in his mouth, warming his whole body: "This soup is so delicious, fresh and fragrant, and not smelly at all."

Zhang Yuedong picked up a piece of mutton and put it in his mouth to chew carefully: "This mutton is stewed just right, soft and tasty, melts in the mouth, and paired with this chewy steamed bun, it's absolutely amazing."

Lin Yifei also praised it highly: "I think the vermicelli is also very good. It absorbs the soup and tastes smooth and delicious. It is very memorable."

They ate and chatted, enjoying this delicious dinner. Li Xiao suddenly remembered something and said, "Do you know that there is a legend about mutton soup steamed bun? According to legend, when Emperor Taizu of Song Dynasty, Zhao Kuangyin, was young, he was stranded in Xi'an. He was poor and had only two dry steamed buns on him, which were difficult to swallow. At this time, a kind mutton shop owner gave him a bowl of steaming mutton soup. He broke the steamed bun into pieces and soaked it in the soup. Unexpectedly, the taste was so delicious that he never forgot it. Later, when he became emperor, he sent people to find this mutton shop to taste mutton soup steamed bun again."

After hearing this, Zhang Yuedong smiled and said, "It turns out that this mutton soup steamed bun has such an interesting history. No wonder it is so popular."

After eating mutton soup steamed bun, the three of them went to a Roujiamo restaurant. There are many kinds of Roujiamo in the restaurant, including La Juice Roujiamo, Tongguan Roujiamo, etc. They each ordered a La Juice Roujiamo, wanting to try the most classic taste.

After a while, the Roujiamo was served. The outer skin of the steamed bun was crispy and golden, with a full portion of braised meat in the middle and a spoonful of fragrant marinade poured on it, making people drool at the sight. Li Xiao picked up the Roujiamo and took a big bite. The crispy steamed bun skin and the tender and juicy braised meat collided in his mouth, exuding a rich aroma: "This Roujiamo is so delicious, the steamed bun is crispy and the meat is fragrant, it's super satisfying after one bite."

Lin Yifei also ate with gusto: "This braised meat is fat but not greasy, lean but not dry, and with the wheat aroma of the steamed bun, it is a perfect match."

Zhang Yuedong nodded in agreement: "Indeed, the taste is different from the roujiamo I've eaten before. It's really the most authentic one in Xi'an."

They ate Roujiamo while walking on the street, feeling the bustle of Xi'an at night. The shops on both sides of the street were brightly lit, and there were a variety of special snacks, which made people dazzled. The three of them also tasted cold noodles, zonggao and other delicacies, and they praised each one, as if they had opened a door to a food paradise.

After eating and drinking, the three decided to watch a folk performance to experience the traditional culture of Xi'an. They heard that Huayin Laoqiang and shadow play are the characteristic folk arts of Shaanxi, so they came to a theater specializing in performing these two arts.

The theater was packed with people, and everyone was waiting for the performance to begin with great anticipation. After a while, the lights on the stage gradually dimmed, and a burst of exciting music sounded, and the performance of Huayin Laoqiang officially began.

Several old artists, wearing simple clothes and holding various musical instruments, walked onto the stage. Their faces were filled with simple smiles, and their eyes revealed their love and persistence for this art. An old artist stood in the center of the stage, holding a moon guitar, and was the first to sing. His voice was hoarse and powerful, and his high-pitched and passionate singing instantly penetrated the entire theater, as if it had a kind of shocking power.

"Guys, grab your weapons!" With a shout, other artists joined in. They sang and beat their instruments vigorously. The sounds of gongs, war drums, clappers, bells and other instruments intertwined together, forming a strong sense of rhythm that made people excited.

Li Xiao was infected by the warm atmosphere and couldn't help but say excitedly: "This is too shocking! I have never heard such a powerful voice. It feels like all the cells in my body have been activated."

Zhang Yuedong also nodded and praised: "Yes, this kind of original performance is so contagious, as if it can make people feel the boldness and unrestrainedness of the Loess Plateau."

Lin Yifei stared at the stage intently and said, "Their performance is full of life. Although it looks rough, it is full of love for life and deep affection for this land."

During the performance, the artists also added some interactive sessions from time to time, inviting the audience to shout slogans and clap their hands. The atmosphere on the scene reached a climax, the enthusiasm of the audience was completely ignited, and the whole theater was filled with laughter and warm applause.

After the Huayin Laoqiang performance, there was a short break before the shadow play began. A white curtain slowly rose, and the artists behind the scenes skillfully manipulated the shadow puppet props, and vivid images appeared on the curtain.

Accompanied by melodious music and graceful singing, the shadow puppets performed wonderful stories on the screen. Their movements were delicate and lifelike, as if they were really alive. Sometimes they flew in the clouds, sometimes they rode horses to fight, and sometimes they talked about love. Every scene made people feel as if they were in that ancient world.

"Wow, this shadow play is so magical!" Li Xiao exclaimed, "These shadow puppets are so delicately made, every detail is portrayed vividly, and the artists' manipulation skills are even more admirable."

Zhang Yuedong carefully observed the movements and expressions of the shadow puppets and said, "I think the charm of shadow puppetry lies in its ability to vividly present stories through light, shadow and movement, allowing people to appreciate the profoundness of traditional culture while feeling it."

Lin Yifei said with emotion: "Yes, these folk artists are really amazing. They use their own hands to pass on this ancient art, giving us the opportunity to appreciate its unique charm."

During the performance, the host also introduced the production process and historical origins of shadow play to the audience. It turns out that shadow play is a folk art that uses animal skin or cardboard as raw materials and is made through multiple processes such as carving, coloring, and binding. It originated in the Western Han Dynasty and has a history of more than 2,000 years. It is an important part of Chinese traditional culture.

After listening to the introduction, the three had a deeper understanding of shadow play and cherished the opportunity to watch the performance. They were absorbed in appreciating every detail and feeling the unique artistic enjoyment brought by shadow play.

On the last day in Xi'an, the three decided to buy some local specialties as a souvenir of their trip. They came to the specialty market, which was very lively and full of various specialty products.