Punch: From third-rate anchor to top chef

Chapter 1781

Zhang Yuedong nodded and said, "Yes, these statues are not only works of art, but also symbols of Taoist culture."

Lin Yifei looked at the murals and couplets in the hall carefully and said, "These murals and couplets are also very exquisite, and contain rich Taoist thoughts and culture."

After leaving the Sanqing Hall, they came to the backyard of the Taiqing Palace. There was a small garden in the backyard, which was full of various flowers, plants and trees, colorful and fragrant. In a corner of the garden, there was a tall wintersweet tree, which was full of red flowers, bright and eye-catching. Li Xiao ran over in surprise: "Look, this is the legendary wintersweet tree, so beautiful!"

Zhang Yuedong also came over and admired the wintersweet tree: "It is said that this wintersweet tree is the prototype of 'Jiangxue' in Pu Songling's Strange Stories from a Chinese Studio. I didn't expect to see it with my own eyes today."

Lin Yifei smiled and said: "Every plant and tree in Taiqing Palace has a story, making people feel as if they are in a mysterious fairyland."

After leaving Taiqing Palace, they took a sightseeing bus to the Jufeng Scenic Area of ​​Laoshan. Jufeng is the main peak of Laoshan and the highest point of Laoshan. The mountain road leading to Jufeng is rugged and steep, full of challenges. But the three of them were full of fighting spirit and decided to climb on foot to enjoy the scenery along the way.

At the beginning of the climb, they were still full of energy, enjoying the beautiful scenery around them while chatting and laughing. The trees on both sides of the mountain road were lush and green, blocking out the sun, and occasionally birds could be heard singing. The stream in the mountain was gurgling, and the water was clear. A handful of stream water was cool and sweet, making people feel comfortable.

Li Xiao said excitedly: "It feels great to climb the mountain. It not only exercises the body, but also allows you to enjoy such beautiful natural scenery."

Zhang Yuedong smiled and said, "Yes, but don't be too happy too soon. There is still a long way to go. You must conserve your energy."

Lin Yifei also said: "Don't worry, I believe we can definitely reach the top of the mountain!"

As the altitude continued to rise, the mountain road became steeper and steeper, and their physical strength was gradually exhausted. Li Xiao began to pant and his steps became heavy: "No, I can't climb anymore, let's take a break."

Zhang Yuedong and Lin Yifei were also exhausted. They found a stone bench by the roadside to sit down, drink some water, eat some snacks, and replenish their energy. After a short rest, Zhang Yuedong encouraged everyone, saying, "We have been climbing for so long, we can't give up halfway. Just hold on a little longer, we will reach the top soon."

Li Xiao took a deep breath and stood up: "Okay, keep going. I don't believe that I can't conquer this mountain!"

Lin Yifei also smiled and said: "Yes, come on, victory is just around the corner!"

So they set out again, climbing towards the top of the mountain step by step. Although each step was difficult, they never gave up. Finally, after some effort, they successfully climbed to the top of the giant peak.

Standing on the top of Jufeng Mountain, overlooking the surrounding mountains and the sea, the three were stunned by the beautiful scenery in front of them. The rolling mountains were looming in the clouds, like an ink painting; the vast sea was sparkling, connecting with the blue sky, making it difficult to tell where the sea was and where the sky was. In the distance, the QD city area was full of high-rise buildings and busy traffic, full of the atmosphere of a modern city.

Li Xiao shouted excitedly: "We finally reached the top! The scenery is so beautiful, all the efforts are worth it!"

Zhang Yuedong also said with emotion: "Yes, only by standing on the top of this mountain can you truly feel the majesty and grandeur of Laoshan. The uncanny workmanship of nature is truly amazing."

Lin Yifei looked at the beautiful scenery in front of him, his heart filled with awe: "Between these mountains and seas, we are so small, but nature has infinite charm and power."

They stayed on the top of the mountain for a long time, enjoying the beautiful scenery and feeling the charm of nature. It was not until the sun set and the sky was covered with gorgeous sunset glow that they reluctantly left the top of the mountain and took the sightseeing bus back to the foot of the mountain.

After returning to the city, the three found a seafood restaurant to taste the specialties of Laoshan. They ordered Laoshan mushroom stewed chicken, Laoshan jelly, Spanish mackerel dumplings and other special dishes. After a while, the dishes were served one after another. The Laoshan mushroom stewed chicken was fragrant, the chicken was tender and juicy, the Laoshan mushroom was smooth and delicious, and the taste was very delicious; the Laoshan jelly had a smooth texture, with a light fishy smell, and with special seasoning, it had a unique flavor; the Spanish mackerel dumplings had a thin skin and large fillings. A bite, the tender Spanish mackerel meat and the delicious soup spread in the mouth, leaving people with endless aftertaste.

"This chicken stewed with Laoshan mushrooms is so delicious. The chicken is especially flavorful and the Laoshan mushrooms are chewy." Li Xiao praised it while eating.

Zhang Yuedong also ate it with gusto: "This Laoshan jelly is also good, with a unique taste and very refreshing."

Lin Yifei has a special liking for Spanish mackerel dumplings: "I never get tired of eating these Spanish mackerel dumplings. They are so delicious every time I eat them."

After tasting the delicious food, they took a walk on the beach, feeling the night sea breeze and the brilliant lights of the city. Li Xiao said with emotion: "Today is really an unforgettable day. Not only did I enjoy the beautiful scenery of Laoshan, but I also tasted delicious food."

Zhang Yuedong smiled and said: "Yes, this is the meaning of travel, it allows us to experience different scenery and cultures and leave beautiful memories."

Lin Yifei also nodded in agreement: "This trip to Laoshan has given me a deeper respect for nature and made me cherish the people and things around me more."

With full harvest and wonderful memories, the three returned to the hotel, ending this fulfilling and enjoyable journey.

Qingdao Food: Seafood and Beer Carnival

After a day of sightseeing in Qingdao, Li Xiao, Zhang Yuedong and Lin Yifei were all hungry and looking forward to Qingdao's delicious food. Li Xiao excitedly suggested: "I heard that Qingdao's seafood is particularly famous. Let's go have an authentic seafood dinner tonight, and pair it with Tsingtao beer. That's really exciting!"

Zhang Yuedong and Lin Yifei agreed. So, under the recommendation of the locals, they came to a seafood restaurant on the seaside. This restaurant is very popular. As soon as you enter the door, you can hear lively conversations and cheerful laughter. The air is filled with the rich aroma of seafood, which makes people salivate.

They found a seat by the window, where they could enjoy the beautiful sea view and feel the lively atmosphere of the restaurant. The waiter enthusiastically handed over the menu, which was dazzling with the dazzling array of seafood dishes. Li Xiao couldn't wait to point at the menu and said, "I want to eat spicy fried clams and Spanish mackerel dumplings, which are Qingdao's signature delicacies."

Zhang Yuedong also ordered steamed crab and vermicelli scallops with garlic sauce. He said with a smile: "How can you miss these classic seafood when you come to Qingdao? They look very tempting."

Lin Yifei ordered a steamed egg with sea urchin and a seafood platter. He said, "Try the steamed egg with sea urchin. I heard it's very delicious. The seafood platter also allows us to taste a variety of seafood at once." After ordering the dishes, Li Xiao looked at the sea outside the window and said with emotion, "It feels great to eat seafood by the sea. It seems that I can taste the taste of the sea."

Zhang Yuedong nodded in agreement: "Yes, and the seafood in Qingdao is very fresh. They are all freshly caught from the sea, so the taste must be authentic."

Lin Yifei said with a smile: "Paired with Tsingtao beer, this is the unique charm of Qingdao, a perfect combination of delicious food and beautiful scenery."

Soon, the dishes were served one after another. The first dish served was spicy fried clams. The bright red clams were wrapped in a rich sauce, dotted with green coriander and bright red peppers, and the aroma was so appetizing. Li Xiao picked up a clam and sucked it gently. The tender and juicy clam meat slid into his mouth with the spicy sauce, and the delicious taste instantly spread in his mouth.

"Wow, this spicy fried clams is so delicious! It's fresh and spicy, and the clam meat is super plump. It really is a Qingdao specialty." Li Xiao praised with a thumbs up while eating.

Zhang Yuedong also tried one and nodded, saying, "It's really good. It tastes very authentic, spicy and fresh."

Lin Yifei also praised it highly: "The sauce is just right, it fully brings out the freshness of the clams, it's delicious."

Then, Spanish mackerel dumplings were served. The dumpling skin was white as jade, thin and tough, and through the dumpling skin, you could vaguely see the tender Spanish mackerel meat inside. Li Xiao picked up a dumpling and took a bite. The delicious soup flowed out instantly. The Spanish mackerel meat was tender and smooth, without a trace of fishy smell, and had a very delicate taste.

"These Spanish mackerel dumplings are amazing! The skin is thin, the filling is large, the soup is delicious, and the taste of the fish is simply amazing." Li Xiao exclaimed while eating.

Zhang Yuedong also tried one and said with a smile: "Yes, this dumpling tastes so delicious. One bite makes me feel full of happiness."

Lin Yifei has a special liking for the soup of dumplings: "This soup is so delicious, I want to drink it all up."

Then, steamed crab, vermicelli scallops with garlic sauce, sea urchin steamed egg and seafood platter were served one after another. The steamed crab retains the original flavor of the crab, the crab meat is tender and sweet, and the crab roe is full and rich; the vermicelli scallops with garlic sauce absorb the freshness of the scallops and the fragrance of the garlic sauce, with a smooth taste, and the scallop meat is tender and juicy; the sea urchin steamed egg has distinct granules of sea urchin roe, which blends perfectly with the tender steamed egg and tastes delicious; the seafood platter contains shrimp, squid, conch and other seafood, each of which is handled just right, retaining their tender taste and unique flavor.

The three of them shared their feelings while tasting the food, and the laughter echoed in the restaurant. They also ordered a few bottles of Tsingtao beer. The cold beer and the delicious seafood were refreshing and intoxicating.

Li Xiao raised his glass and said, "Come on, let's toast to our pleasant trip to Qingdao!"

Zhang Yuedong and Lin Yifei also raised their glasses, clinked them and drank them all in one gulp.

While tasting the food, Li Xiao curiously asked the waiter: "Master, why is the seafood in Qingdao so fresh?"

The waiter smiled and explained, "Qingdao is a coastal city with rich fishery resources. The seafood is all caught from the sea on the same day. In addition, we Qingdao people have very high requirements for the quality of seafood, so the seafood you eat is the freshest."

Li Xiao suddenly realized: "So that's why the seafood tastes so delicious."

Zhang Yuedong then asked: "What's so special about Tsingtao beer?"

The waiter patiently said: "Tsingtao Beer is a brand with a century-old history. It is brewed with high-quality barley, hops and Laoshan mineral water. It has a refreshing taste, rich malt aroma, and rich and delicate foam. It is a business card of Qingdao. Moreover, in Qingdao, drinking beer is a culture. Everyone likes to sit by the sea on summer nights, eat seafood, drink beer, and enjoy this pleasant time."

Lin Yifei said with emotion: "Today's meal not only allowed us to taste delicious seafood, but also allowed us to understand Qingdao's food culture. It was really a great harvest."

After finishing their meal, the three of them walked out of the restaurant contentedly. Li Xiao patted his stomach and said with a smile, "Today's seafood feast is so satisfying. Qingdao's food is indeed well-deserved."

Zhang Yuedong also smiled and said: "Yes, this is only part of Qingdao's delicacies. There are more delicacies waiting for us to discover."

Looking at the bustling streets and beautiful sea views, Lin Yifei said with anticipation: "I am really looking forward to the next food tour. I wonder what kind of surprises will be waiting for us."

With anticipation for the next delicious meal, the three continued to stroll on the streets of Qingdao, feeling the unique charm of this city.

Colorful folk customs: Feel the charm of culture

During their visit to Qingdao, the three of them accidentally heard that there was a grand folk culture festival in the area, in which the dragon and lion dance performances were particularly exciting. Naturally, they did not want to miss this rare opportunity to experience it.

On the day of the event, they arrived at the Folk Culture Festival early. The place was already crowded with people and very lively. The streets were lined with colorful lanterns and flags, and the air was filled with a strong festive atmosphere. Various specialty snack stalls were crowded with people, and the stall owners were shouting enthusiastically. There were also many handicraft stalls, displaying exquisite traditional handicrafts such as paper-cuts, dough sculptures, and sugar paintings. Each piece was lifelike and made people love it.

Li Xiao excitedly shuttled among the crowd, looking at this and touching that: "Wow, the atmosphere here is so lively, it feels more lively than the Chinese New Year!"

Zhang Yuedong smiled and said: "Yes, this kind of traditional folk culture festival is like this, full of life and cultural heritage."

Lin Yifei also smiled and nodded: "We are so lucky to see this today. We must enjoy these wonderful performances."

With the sound of exciting gongs and drums, the dragon and lion dance performance officially began. The first performance was the dragon dance, where a huge golden dragon was seen tumbling up and down and shuttling left and right in the hands of the dancers. The dragon was made of golden silk and shone brightly under the sun. The dragon was dozens of meters long and was danced by more than a dozen dancers. They moved vigorously and coordinated well, and waved the dragon poles in their hands vigorously to the rhythm, making the golden dragon seem alive.

The golden dragon sometimes leaped high, as if it was about to soar into the sky; sometimes it coiled and circled, as if it was swimming in the sea; sometimes it ran fast, as if it was chasing its prey. Every movement of the dragon was vigorous and full of power, making people dazzled. Long flames spewed out of the dragon's mouth from time to time, causing the audience to exclaim. The children around excitedly jumped up and shouted, "Wow, so amazing!"