Punch: From third-rate anchor to top chef

Chapter 1785

Lin Yifei approached a Buddha statue and carefully observed its facial expression. He said, "Look, this Buddha statue looks so peaceful, as if it is looking down at everything in the world."

Then, they came to the Lotus Cave. A huge lotus was carved on the top of the cave, with layers of petals, delicate and lifelike, as if it was in full bloom. The surrounding Buddha statues surrounded the lotus, with different postures and lifelike. Li Xiao was attracted by the beautiful scenery in front of him. He took out his mobile phone and kept taking pictures to keep this beautiful moment forever.

Zhang Yuedong closed his eyes and quietly felt the tranquility and mystery in the cave, as if he was traveling through time and space and having a spiritual dialogue with the ancients. Lin Yifei curiously asked the tour guide about the history and legends of the Lotus Cave, and he listened with great interest to the tour guide's vivid description.

Finally, they came to Fengxian Temple. This is the largest open-air Buddhist shrine in Longmen Grottoes, where the Vairocana Buddha is located. The Vairocana Buddha is 17.14 meters tall, with a 4-meter-high head and 1.9-meter-long ears. It has a plump and beautiful face, peaceful eyes, and a slightly upturned mouth, revealing a mysterious smile, as if conveying compassion and wisdom to people. Li Xiao stood at the foot of the Buddha, looking up at the Buddha, and a feeling of awe surged in his heart. He said with emotion: "This is the Vairocana Buddha. It is so magnificent that it makes people feel awe."

Zhang Yuedong was also shocked by the Buddha's majesty. He said: "This Buddha is really amazing. It is not only a work of art, but also a symbol of spirit."

Lin Yifei walked slowly around the Buddha statue, carefully appreciating every detail of the statue. He said: "The carving craftsmanship of this Buddha statue is so exquisite. Every detail is handled just right. It is worthy of being an outstanding work in the history of Chinese Buddhist sculptures."

During the visit to Longmen Grottoes, they also met a tourist from BJ named Uncle Wang. Uncle Wang is a history lover who has done in-depth research on the history and culture of Longmen Grottoes. He enthusiastically shared his insights and experiences with the three people, allowing them to have a deeper understanding of Longmen Grottoes. Li Xiao curiously asked Uncle Wang: "Uncle Wang, what do you think is the most unique part of Longmen Grottoes?"

Uncle Wang smiled and replied: "The most unique thing about Longmen Grottoes is that it integrates the carving styles and cultural elements of multiple dynasties. From the Northern Wei Dynasty to the Tang Dynasty, the Buddha statues of each period have different characteristics, which is unmatched by other grottoes. Moreover, the Buddha statues in Longmen Grottoes are exquisitely carved, with smooth lines and full of artistic appeal, which makes people feel the superb skills and wisdom of ancient craftsmen."

Zhang Yuedong then asked: "What stories are behind these Buddha statues?"

Uncle Wang said enthusiastically: "Of course there are. For example, this Vairocana Buddha is said to be carved according to the appearance of Wu Zetian. In order to create public opinion for her ascension to the throne, Wu Zetian ordered the construction of this Buddha to demonstrate her authority and status. Moreover, the name of this Vairocana Buddha also has a profound meaning. It is the transliteration of the Sanskrit word 'Vairocana', which means the Buddha's light is pure and bright."

Lin Yifei was fascinated by what he heard. He asked again, "Uncle Wang, what hardships did the Longmen Grottoes experience in history?"

Uncle Wang said seriously: "The Longmen Grottoes have experienced many hardships in history, such as wars, natural disasters, and man-made destruction. In the Tang Dynasty, the Longmen Grottoes suffered a large-scale destruction, and the heads of many Buddha statues were chopped off. Later, after the founding of New China, the government carried out large-scale restoration and protection of the Longmen Grottoes, which enabled these precious cultural heritages to be preserved."

The three were deeply moved by Uncle Wang's story. They cherished the opportunity to visit Longmen Grottoes even more, carefully appreciating each Buddha statue and feeling the profound history and cultural charm.

Experience Luoyang Water Banquet
After coming out of the Longmen Grottoes, the three of them were already hungry. They decided to try Luoyang's specialties - Luoyang Water Banquet. They came to a time-honored water banquet restaurant, which was bustling with diners who came to taste the water banquet. They found a seat and sat down. The waiter enthusiastically handed over the menu. Li Xiao looked at the menu and said curiously, "This Luoyang Water Banquet has 24 dishes. Can the three of us finish it?"

Zhang Yuedong smiled and said, "We can order less and just try the special features."

Lin Yifei nodded in agreement: "Yes, let's try the most famous peony bird's nest, fried meatballs and pork slices in soup first."

Soon, the dishes were served. The first dish to be served was the Peony Bird's Nest. On the exquisite white porcelain plate, hair-thin radish shreds were piled up like a bird's nest, with a vivid peony flower in the middle, so beautiful that one could hardly bear to destroy the beauty with chopsticks. Li Xiao picked up a piece of bird's nest with chopsticks and put it in his mouth. The crispness of the radish shreds and the deliciousness of the soup blended perfectly. He couldn't help but exclaimed: "This Peony Bird's Nest looks like a work of art. I didn't expect it to taste so good. The radish shreds can taste like a bird's nest. It's amazing."

Zhang Yuedong also tasted it and nodded, saying, "Yes, this dish is not only delicious, but also has a rich cultural heritage. Legend has it that this dish originated during the reign of Empress Wu Zetian, when the common people presented giant radishes to the imperial chef, who cooked them carefully to imitate the taste of bird's nests, thus creating this delicacy."

While tasting the bird's nest, Lin Yifei said, "Wu Zetian is really lucky to be able to eat such delicious dishes."

Next, the fried meatballs were served. The hot and sour soup was served, and then the waiter poured the golden and crispy fried meatballs into the soup. Instantly, there was a "sizzling" sound, and the aroma filled the air. The crispness of the meatballs and the sour and spicy taste of the soup were perfectly combined, which greatly increased people's appetite. Li Xiao couldn't wait to pick up a meatball and put it in his mouth. It was crispy on the outside and tender on the inside. The sour and spicy taste of the soup spread in his mouth. He said with satisfaction: "This fried meatball is so delicious. Hearing this 'sizzling' sound, I feel that my appetite has been aroused."

Zhang Yuedong also smiled and said: "This dish is not only delicious, but also very interesting. The sound is like a unique food symphony."

Lin Yifei said mischievously: "This dish feels like setting off a firework display in your mouth. It's so exciting."

Finally, the pork slices with soup were served. This dish is made with lean meat as the main ingredient, with black fungus, golden needles and other auxiliary ingredients. The soup is rich, the meat slices are tender, and the taste is slightly sour and refreshing. Li Xiao took a sip of the soup and felt that the soup was delicious and the meat slices were tender. He said: "The taste of this pork slices with soup is also very good, the soup is fresh and the meat is tender, very appetizing."

Zhang Yuedong picked up a piece of meat, put it in his mouth, and praised it highly: "The meat is sliced ​​very thinly, smooth and delicious. This dish is really delicious with rice."

Lin Yifei also said: "The soup of this dish is also delicious. I feel like I can drink several bowls."

While tasting the water feast, they also learned about the uniqueness of the Luoyang water feast. Not only does the water feast contain soup, but the soup also flows continuously. Moreover, one dish is removed after another is finished, like flowing water, hence the name. Moreover, the water feast has both hot and cold dishes, meat and vegetables, sweet and salty, sour and spicy, which can meet the taste needs of different people. Li Xiao said with emotion: "This Luoyang water feast is not only a feast of food, but also a cultural heritage."

Zhang Yuedong nodded in agreement: "Yes, through these dishes, we can feel Luoyang's long history and unique food culture."

Lin Yifei smiled and said: "If I have the chance in the future, I must bring my family and friends to taste this Luoyang water feast." Enjoy the folk performance of Luoyi Ancient City
After lunch, they took a short break and went to Luoyi Ancient City to watch folk performances. Walking into Luoyi Ancient City, it was like traveling back to ancient times. The quaint buildings were scattered in an orderly manner, the bluestone roads were winding, and the shops on the street were dazzling, full of rich ancient style and charm.

When they arrived at the performance venue, there were already many spectators. The three of them finally found a seat, and just as they sat down, the performance began. The first performance was the lion dance, where two majestic lions jumped and rolled on the stage, sometimes shaking their heads and tails, and sometimes soaring into the air, with agile and lifelike movements. The lion dancers were dressed in bright costumes, and coordinated with the movements of the lions to perform various difficult movements, winning rounds of applause and cheers from the audience. Li Xiao watched intently, and he said excitedly: "This lion dance performance is so wonderful, and the lion dancers' skills are really superb."

Zhang Yuedong also said excitedly: "Yes, this lion is so vividly danced by them that it feels like a real lion."

Lin Yifei smiled and said: "This lion dance performance is not only wonderful, but also very meaningful, symbolizing good luck and good fortune."

Then, the Dancing Banner performance began. The performer held a long banner decorated with colorful cloth and waved it in the air. The banner flew up and down in his hands, sometimes thrown high up, sometimes spinning and dancing, which was thrilling to watch. Li Xiao couldn't help but sigh: "This Dancing Banner performance is so shocking. The performer's strength and skills are admirable."

Zhang Yuedong nodded in agreement: "Yes, it takes a lot of arm strength and balance to complete such a difficult move."

Lin Yifei also said: "This flag seems to have life in his hands, it's amazing."

In addition to the lion dance and the flag dance, the "God of Wealth" interacted with the audience, distributing red envelopes and blessings. The atmosphere was lively, and the audience rushed to take photos with the "God of Wealth" and felt the strong festive atmosphere. Li Xiao was also lucky enough to get a red envelope. He said happily: "I am so lucky today. I hope this red envelope can bring me good luck."

Zhang Yuedong smiled and said: "This is the blessing of the God of Wealth. It will definitely bring good luck."

Lin Yifei joked: "Then can we go buy lottery tickets tonight?"

During the performance, they also interacted with the audience around them. A local uncle enthusiastically introduced the history and folk culture of Luoyi Ancient City to them, allowing them to have a deeper understanding of this ancient city. Li Xiao curiously asked the uncle: "Uncle, does Luoyi Ancient City usually have so many performances?"

The uncle smiled and replied, "There are some performances on weekdays, but concentrated performances like today are usually only held on holidays or special days. You came at the right time today to see so many wonderful performances."

Zhang Yuedong then asked: "Are there any other interesting places in Luoyi Ancient City?"

The uncle said enthusiastically: "In addition to watching the performances, you can also go to the ancient streets in the ancient city, where there are many traditional handicraft shops and snack bars. You can also go to the Wenfeng Tower, which is the landmark building of Luoyi Ancient City."

Lin Yifei was fascinated by what he heard. He asked again, "Uncle, how long is the history of Luoyi Ancient City?"

The uncle said proudly: "The history of Luoyi Ancient City is very long. It was built in the Zhou Dynasty and has a history of more than 3,000 years. It was once the political, economic and cultural center of Luoyang and witnessed countless historical changes."

After listening to the uncle's story, the three of them became more curious and yearning for the ancient city of Luoyi. They decided to take a good look around the ancient city after the performance to experience its unique charm.

Buy Luoyang Souvenirs

After watching the performance, they came to the souvenir shop in the ancient city to buy some souvenirs. The shop was filled with various Luoyang specialties, including colorful Tang Sancai, sweet and delicious peony cakes, exquisite and elegant peony porcelain, and Luoyang bronze ware exuding an ancient atmosphere.

Li Xiao was attracted by the Tang Sancai. He picked up a Tang Sancai horse and looked at it carefully. He saw that the horse was lifelike, with smooth lines and bright colors, as if it would gallop at any time. Li Xiao couldn't put it down. He said: "This Tang Sancai is really too exquisite. Each piece is like a work of art. I want to buy one and take it back home as a decoration."

Zhang Yuedong has a special liking for Peony Cake. He said: "This Peony Cake smells very fragrant and must taste good. I will buy a few more boxes and bring them back to give to my family and friends."

Lin Yifei picked out some peony porcelain and Luoyang bronzes in the store. He said: "This peony porcelain perfectly combines the beauty of peony with the elegance of ceramics, while the Luoyang bronzes are full of historical charm. These souvenirs are very meaningful."

While buying souvenirs, they also met a passionate shopkeeper. The shopkeeper introduced the characteristics and production techniques of various souvenirs to them, allowing them to have a deeper understanding of these souvenirs. Li Xiao curiously asked the shopkeeper: "How is this Tang Sancai made?"

The shop owner smiled and replied: "The production process of Tang Sancai is very complicated. First of all, you have to choose high-quality clay, go through multiple processes such as shaping, drying, and firing, and then apply glaze. Finally, it is fired a second time to produce Tang Sancai with bright colors and exquisite shapes."

Zhang Yuedong then asked: "What are the ingredients for making this peony cake?"

The shop owner patiently said: "The main ingredients of peony cakes are bean powder and rice, plus carefully selected peas, red beans, red dates and carefully soaked peony flower paste, and baked through traditional handmade craftsmanship. Peony cakes have a soft and glutinous texture, crispy on the outside and fragrant on the inside, sweet but not greasy, and rich in nutrition."