Chapter 404 - 12

Chapter 404: Chapter 12

"Hey, Li Xiao, look at that mountain peak over there. Doesn’t it look like an old man deep in thought?" Huang Pengfei said, pointing to a distant peak.

Li Xiao followed his gaze and said with a smile, "It really does. The scenery in Guilin is beautiful everywhere you look."

After the boat had traveled for a while, they arrived at a small island. The island was shaded by lush green trees, and the air was filled with the songs of birds and the fragrance of flowers. They strolled around the island, soaking in the peace and beauty of nature.

"It’s so quiet here. It really puts you at ease," Li Xiao said.

Huang Pengfei nodded. "Yeah. After spending so much time in the city, coming to a place like this feels like a real treat."

After their tour of the Li River, they went to Yangshuo. West Street in Yangshuo was a charming place, its sides lined with quaint, old-fashioned buildings and shops filled with all sorts of specialty goods.

"Wow, this place is so lively!" Li Xiao said excitedly.

Huang Pengfei was also swept up in the atmosphere. "Come on, let’s look around and see if we can find anything interesting."

They started wandering down West Street, occasionally popping into shops to look at the merchandise. They bought some of Yangshuo’s signature handicrafts, like hand-woven bags and ethnic-style accessories.

"These handicrafts are so beautiful. Our friends will definitely love them when we bring them back as gifts," Li Xiao said.

Huang Pengfei smiled as well. "Yeah, everything here is so unique."

After exploring West Street, they started to get hungry. They decided to try some of Yangshuo’s local cuisine. Beer fish is a famous local specialty, so they found a restaurant and ordered it.

"This beer fish looks so appetizing," Li Xiao said, looking at the dish on the table.

Huang Pengfei eagerly picked up his chopsticks and took a bite. "Mmm, it’s delicious. The fish is tender and flavorful."

After dinner, they went to see the performance of *Impression Liu Sanjie*. The show used the Li River as its backdrop and the natural landscape as its stage, showcasing the folk customs of the Guangxi Zhuang Clan and the region’s beautiful scenery.

"That performance was breathtaking!" Li Xiao exclaimed.

Huang Pengfei was also captivated by the amazing show. "Yeah, that’s one of the best performances I’ve ever seen."

After the show, they went to buy some local specialties. Yangshuo’s specialties include Shatian pomelos, kumquats, and persimmon cakes. They bought some Shatian pomelos and kumquats to take back with them.

"What a great day," Li Xiao said with a sigh of contentment.

Huang Pengfei nodded in agreement. "Yeah, Guilin’s scenery is beautiful, the food is delicious, and the show was incredible. Where should we go next?"

Li Xiao thought for a moment. "Let’s go to Chengdu. I hear it’s the capital of cuisine."

"Alright, let’s go!" Huang Pengfei said excitedly.

And so, filled with new memories and anticipation, Li Xiao and Huang Pengfei set off on their journey to Chengdu.

After a long and dusty journey, Li Xiao and Huang Pengfei finally arrived in Chengdu, the city they had been dreaming of. As soon as they stepped out of the station, they were hit by a wave of bustling energy.

"Pengfei, look! Chengdu really is as lively as they say," Li Xiao said excitedly.

Huang Pengfei’s face was also full of anticipation. "Yeah, I’ve heard for ages that Chengdu is the capital of cuisine. We can finally eat to our hearts’ content."

They went to the hotel they had booked in advance, and after dropping off their luggage, they eagerly headed out to explore Chengdu’s culinary scene. Their first stop was Jinli Ancient Street. The old street was bustling with people, a scene of lively activity. Both sides were lined with quaint, traditional buildings, their shops filled with all kinds of specialty snacks and handicrafts.

"Wow, the atmosphere here is amazing!" Li Xiao said, his eyes sparkling with excitement as he took in the crowds and bustling shops.

Huang Pengfei was also captivated by the lively scene. "Come on, let’s go try some of those snacks."

They walked up to a stall selling *chuan chuan xiang*, and the sight of the bright red skewers made their mouths water.

"We’ll have two orders of *chuan chuan xiang*," Li Xiao called out to the owner.

The owner greeted them warmly, and in no time, two fragrant orders of *chuan chuan xiang* were placed before them. Li Xiao picked up a skewer and took a bite. The numbing, spicy, and savory flavor instantly exploded in his mouth.

"Mmm, delicious! This tastes so authentic," Li Xiao praised endlessly.

Huang Pengfei was also eating with great relish. "Yeah, this *chuan chuan xiang* really lives up to its reputation."

After the *chuan chuan xiang*, they also tried other Chengdu specialty snacks like *long chaoshou* and Zhong dumplings. Every single dish left a lasting impression.

"There’s so much good food in Chengdu. We have to try it all," Li Xiao said with a laugh.

Huang Pengfei nodded in agreement. "Exactly. Today, we’re going all out."

After making a loop around Jinli Ancient Street, they went to Kuanzhai Alley. This area was also full of Chengdu’s characteristic charm and style. They strolled through Kuanzhai Alley, admiring the old architecture and unique culture.

"Look, these buildings all have so much character," Li Xiao said, pointing to an old courtyard home.

Huang Pengfei sighed in admiration. "Yeah, Chengdu really is a city steeped in history and culture."

Getting tired from all the walking, they found a teahouse to sit down, have some tea, and rest. The teahouse was full of people, all chatting leisurely while sipping their tea.

"The people of Chengdu really know how to live," Li Xiao remarked, taking a sip of his tea.

Huang Pengfei smiled as well. "Yeah, we should learn from them and enjoy life more."

In the evening, they went to see a Sichuan opera performance. The face-changing and fire-spitting were real eye-openers.

"That Sichuan opera was incredible!" Li Xiao said excitedly.

Huang Pengfei was also captivated by the charm of the opera. "Yeah, it’s such a unique art form. Really unforgettable."

After the performance, they went to buy some of Chengdu’s local specialties. These included Pixian Broad-bean Paste, hot pot base, and Shu embroidery. They bought some hot pot base and Shu embroidery to take back as gifts for friends and family.

"What a fulfilling day," Li Xiao remarked.

Huang Pengfei nodded in agreement. "Yeah, Chengdu’s food, culture, and art made us never want to leave. Where should we go next?"

Li Xiao thought for a moment. "Let’s go to Xi’an. I hear it has a lot of historical sites."

"Alright, let’s go!" Huang Pengfei said excitedly.

And so, filled with new memories and anticipation, Li Xiao and Huang Pengfei set off on their journey to Xi’an.

Full of anticipation, Li Xiao and Huang Pengfei arrived in the ancient and historic capital, Xi’an. The moment they stepped off the train, they were enveloped by a profound sense of history.

"Pengfei, look. Xi’an really does have a different kind of feel to it," Li Xiao remarked, gazing at the traditional architecture around them.

Huang Pengfei was also captivated by the city’s unique charm. "Yeah, it feels like we’ve traveled back in time. Come on, let’s drop our luggage at the hotel first, then we can properly explore this ancient capital."

After dropping their bags at the hotel, they headed out eagerly. Their first stop was the Terracotta Warriors. Standing in front of the Terracotta Warriors Museum, they were stunned by the magnificent sight.

"Wow, the Terracotta Warriors are so spectacular!" Li Xiao’s eyes widened in disbelief.

Huang Pengfei couldn’t stop nodding. "It’s almost unimaginable that people could create such a staggering marvel thousands of years ago."

They entered the museum and carefully admired each and every one of the Terracotta Warriors. Their lifelike faces and exquisite craftsmanship were truly a sight to behold.

"Look at this one. Its expression is so vivid," Li Xiao said, pointing to one of the warriors.

Huang Pengfei leaned in for a closer look. "Yeah, it’s really incredible. It’s as if these Terracotta Warriors are telling the story of their era."

After visiting the Terracotta Warriors, they went to the Ancient City Wall. The wall was tall and majestic, and you could ride a bicycle all the way around the top.