Punch: From third-rate anchor to top chef

Chapter 1773

Li Xiao suddenly said, "What do you think Emperor Qianlong felt when he visited Daming Lake when he went to the south of the Yangtze River?" Zhang Yuedong thought for a moment and said, "Maybe he was intoxicated by the beautiful scenery and wrote a lot of poems." Lin Yifei joked, "Maybe he also met the beautiful Xia Yuhe here." After hearing this, the three of them laughed. In this laughter, they enjoyed the poetic time of Daming Lake to their heart's content.

After a day of shopping, their stomachs were already growling. So the three of them came to a restaurant with Jinan characteristics to taste the local delicacies. They ordered nine-turn large intestine and fried fried dough sticks, and soon, the steaming delicacies were served on the table.

The Jiuzhuan large intestine was ruddy in color and fragrant. Li Xiao picked up a piece and put it in his mouth, chewing it carefully, with a satisfied expression on his face: "This Jiuzhuan large intestine is crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, with sweet, sour, bitter, spicy and salty flavors. The taste is really amazing!" Zhang Yuedong also quickly tasted it and nodded in praise: "It is really delicious. This unique taste makes people linger." Lin Yifei said while eating: "I have only heard of Jiuzhuan large intestine before, but I didn't expect it to taste so amazing. Today I can be said to have a feast."

Then, they tasted the Youxuan. The Youxuan had a crispy outer skin, tender inner flesh, and a fragrant onion aroma. Zhang Yuedong took a bite of the Youxuan and said, "This Youxuan tastes fragrant and crispy, and is different from all the pasta I've eaten before." Li Xiao smiled and said, "This Youxuan is a traditional delicacy in Jinan with a long history. It is said that many literati and scholars liked to eat it in the past." Lin Yifei asked curiously, "How did this Youxuan get its name?" Li Xiao explained, "Because it is shaped like a spiral and has a golden oily surface, it is called Youxuan." The three of them tasted the food and shared their feelings about it, and laughter echoed in the restaurant.

Exploration of folk customs and specialties
After eating and drinking, they came to a folk performance venue. There were wonderful Jinan folk performances, including dragon and lion dances, Shandong Kuaishu, etc. The lively performance attracted many tourists to stop and watch.

In the dragon and lion dance team, the actors wore bright costumes and performed vigorous and powerful movements. The dragon body, guided by the dragon ball, rolled up and down, swayed left and right, and looked lifelike. The lion dance actors imitated the various forms of the lion, jumping or rolling, and were very cute. The audience burst into applause and cheers from time to time. Zhang Yuedong said excitedly: "This dragon and lion dance is so wonderful, the actors' skills are really superb." Lin Yifei also nodded at the side: "Yes, it makes my blood boil." Li Xiao said with emotion: "These folk performances carry the history and culture of Jinan, which is really meaningful."

Then, they enjoyed Shandong Kuaishu. The actors held bamboo boards and sang in a brisk rhythm. The humorous performance made people laugh. After the performance, the three were still reluctant to leave. They also bought some Pingyin rose-related specialties, such as rose jam and rose tea. Zhang Yuedong took the rose jam and said, "This rose jam smells so good. I can spread it on bread when I go back." Lin Yifei looked at the rose tea and said, "I heard that drinking this rose tea in water is good for the body and can also beautify the skin." Li Xiao smiled and said, "Let's take some specialties back, which can be regarded as a souvenir of this trip to Jinan." While exchanging their views on Jinan's folk culture, the three continued their trip to Shandong with a lot of gains.

Qingdao trip: seaside style

Bidding farewell to Jinan, Li Xiao, Zhang Yuedong and Lin Yifei set off on a journey to Qingdao. When they stepped into this coastal city, they were greeted by the salty sea breeze and the bustling urban atmosphere. Li Xiao opened his arms excitedly and shouted, "Wow, this is Qingdao. It feels completely different from Jinan, full of the vitality of a coastal city!" Zhang Yuedong took a deep breath and said, "Yes, the sea breeze makes me feel refreshed." Lin Yifei looked around curiously, looking at the European-style buildings on the streets and the people coming and going, his eyes full of novelty.

Walking on the streets of Qingdao, they were attracted by the unique charm of the city. Red tiles, green trees, blue sea and blue sky formed a beautiful picture. The architectural styles on the roadside are different, including exotic European buildings and modern high-rise buildings. On the street, people spoke with Qingdao accents and talked enthusiastically. The three of them walked and admired the beautiful scenery of the city, and their hearts were full of expectations for the next journey. Li Xiao pointed to the front and said, "Look, is that the direction of Badaguan? Let's go to Badaguan for a stroll." Everyone nodded and walked in the direction of Badaguan.

The exotic customs of Badaguan
When they step into Badaguan, they feel as if they are in a small European town. There are more than 300 buildings of different styles from dozens of countries including Germany, Russia, the United States, Britain, France, etc. It is known as the "International Architecture Expo". Each building is unique and exudes a strong historical atmosphere.

They strolled along Shaoguan Road, where beautiful peach trees were in full bloom on both sides of the road. The breeze blew and the petals fell one after another, as if it was raining flowers. Zhang Yuedong couldn't help but sigh: "This Badaguan is so beautiful. Every road has a different scenery." Lin Yifei also nodded: "Yes, these buildings and flowers complement each other, just like a beautiful oil painting." Li Xiao took out his camera and kept taking pictures, wanting to record these beautiful moments. He said: "Such a beautiful place, I must take more photos and show them to my friends when I go back."

Then, they came to Huashilou. This villa, which combines Greek, Roman, Gothic and other architectural styles, stands by the sea and looks particularly spectacular. They walked into Huashilou and admired the exquisite decorations and unique architectural structure. Li Xiao said: "The architectural style of this Huashilou is really unique. It feels like architectural elements from different countries are integrated together." Zhang Yuedong stood by the window, looking at the sea outside the window, and said: "The view of the sea here is really great." Lin Yifei smiled and said: "It would be so pleasant if I could stay here for a night."

In Badaguan, they also visited the Princess Building, Marshal Building and other famous buildings. Every time they visited a building, they would discuss the style of the building and the historical stories behind it. They lingered in Badaguan and enjoyed the unique experience brought by this exotic style.

The embrace of the pier and the sea
After leaving Badaguan, they came to the trestle. This trestle that stretches out to the sea is one of Qingdao's landmark buildings and a good place to watch the sea. They stood on the trestle, the sea breeze blew on their faces, bringing the unique breath of the sea. In the distance, the sea and the sky were one color, sparkling, and occasionally a few seagulls soared in the sky, making crisp calls.

Zhang Yuedong excitedly ran to the edge of the pier, watching the waves hitting the rocks under his feet, and said: "This sea is so spectacular. Standing here, I feel so small." Lin Yifei also sighed: "Yes, this boundless sea makes people feel open." Li Xiao closed his eyes, feeling the breeze, and said: "Listening to the sound of the waves and the breeze, all the troubles disappeared." They strolled along the pier and admired the beautiful scenery around them. People came and went on the pier, and tourists either took pictures or stopped to admire the sea view. Occasionally there were souvenir stalls filled with various small items related to the sea. Li Xiao saw a wind chime made of shells and thought it was very delicate, so he bought it. He said: "This wind chime is really beautiful. Take it back and hang it in the room. When you hear the bell, you can think of the good times in Qingdao." Zhang Yuedong and Lin Yifei also each selected some souvenirs to take back to give to relatives and friends.

Seafood feast
After a day of shopping, their stomachs were already growling. So the three of them came to a seafood restaurant by the sea to taste Qingdao's special seafood. The restaurant was bustling with people, and the air was filled with the aroma of seafood. They found a seat and sat down, ordering Qingdao specialties such as spicy fried clams and seaweed jelly.

Soon, the steaming hot spicy fried clams were served on the table. The clams were plump and juicy, and the spicy flavor was fragrant. Li Xiao picked up a clam and put it in his mouth. The tender clam meat and the spicy flavor spread in his mouth. He said with satisfaction: "This spicy fried clams are so delicious, the taste is fresh and spicy, and the clams are also very fresh." Zhang Yuedong also quickly tasted it and nodded and praised: "It's really delicious. This is the best spicy fried clams I have ever eaten." Lin Yifei said while eating: "Eating seafood by the sea is a special feeling, and the taste is even more delicious."

Then, they tasted the seaweed jelly. The jelly was crystal clear, and paired with garlic paste, chopped coriander, sesame oil and other condiments, it was refreshing and delicious. Zhang Yuedong took a bite of the jelly and said, "This seaweed jelly has a smooth texture and a refreshing taste, which is very suitable for summer." Li Xiao smiled and said, "This is Qingdao's specialty jelly. You can't get such authentic jelly anywhere else." The three of them tasted the food and shared their feelings about it, and laughter echoed in the restaurant.

Special harvest at the seaside

After eating and drinking, they came to a square by the sea. There was a lively folk performance taking place here, which attracted many tourists to stop and watch. The performances included dragon and lion dances, stilt walking, etc. The actors were dressed in bright costumes and their movements were vigorous and powerful, winning applause and cheers from the audience.

Zhang Yuedong said excitedly: "This folk performance is so wonderful, the actors' skills are so superb." Lin Yifei also nodded: "Yes, it makes my blood boil." Li Xiao said with emotion: "These folk performances carry the traditional culture of Qingdao and are really meaningful." While watching the performance, they felt the folk cultural atmosphere of Qingdao.

After the performance, they came to a nearby specialty store. The store was filled with various Qingdao specialties, including Qingdao beer, fat residue, seafood, etc. They bought some Qingdao beer and fat residue and prepared to take them back to taste. Zhang Yuedong said while holding Qingdao beer: "Qingdao beer is famous all over the country. I must take some back to try this time." Lin Yifei looked at the fat residue and said: "I heard that this fat residue is crispy and delicious, very chewy, and can be eaten as a snack when I go back." Li Xiao smiled and said: "Let's take some specialties back, which can be regarded as a perfect end to this trip to Qingdao." While exchanging their impressions of Qingdao, the three continued their trip to Shandong with a lot of gains.

Traveling in Yantai: Between Mountains and Sea

Leaving Qingdao, the car that Li Xiao, Zhang Yuedong and Lin Yifei were riding in slowly drove into Yantai. As soon as they got off the car, the fresh sea breeze blew in their faces, carrying the unique smell of the sea. Li Xiao took a deep breath and said excitedly: "Yantai, we are here! I have heard that Yantai is a charming coastal city for a long time, and now I can finally experience it myself." Zhang Yuedong looked at the surrounding scenery and nodded: "Yes, the air here feels particularly fresh, which makes people feel comfortable." Lin Yifei looked around curiously, his eyes full of expectations for this city.

Walking on the streets of Yantai, they were attracted by the unique style of the city. The buildings on both sides of the street are of various styles, including modern high-rise buildings and European-style buildings full of historical charm. The shops on the roadside are full of various special products, which are dazzling. The faces of pedestrians are filled with enthusiasm and simple smiles, making them feel the warmth of the city. Li Xiao pointed to the front and said, "Look, it seems to be Yantai Mountain over there. Let's go there first." Everyone nodded and walked towards the direction of Yantai Mountain.

Mythological Fantasy of Penglai Pavilion
After a short rest in Yantai, the three decided to go to Penglai Pavilion. When they saw the majestic figure of Penglai Pavilion standing on the top of Danya Mountain from afar, they were shocked. Li Xiao couldn't help but sigh: "This is the legendary Penglai Pavilion, it's really magnificent!" Zhang Yuedong also nodded: "Yes, it feels like this place is full of mysterious atmosphere, as if there are really immortals living here."

They climbed up the mountain path, enjoying the beautiful scenery along the way. The mountain was shaded by green trees and lush flowers and plants, as if it was a paradise. When they finally climbed up to Penglai Pavilion, they were intoxicated by the scenery in front of them. Penglai Pavilion is 15 meters high, with double eaves and octagonal roofs, surrounded by corridors, and a golden plaque with the words "Penglai Pavilion" hung on it, written by Tie Bao, a great calligrapher during the Qianlong period. To the south of the pavilion are the Sanqing Hall, Lu Zu Hall, Tianhou Palace, Dragon King Palace, etc., which are magnificent, high and low, and staggered, and are integrated with Penglai Pavilion.

They stood on the pavilion, looking north to the ethereal Changshan Islands and the vast sea in the northeast. Zhang Yuedong said excitedly: "Standing here, I feel as if I am in a fairyland. I really understand why the ancients thought this was where the gods lived." Lin Yifei also sighed: "Yes, the scenery is so beautiful, it makes people feel like traveling through time and space and returning to ancient times." Li Xiao looked into the distance and fell into deep thought: "The legendary Eight Immortals Crossing the Sea started from here. I wonder what kind of stories they left here back then."