Chapter 406: Black Feather (2)

“Alright, our Zhangjiajie trip has come to a perfect end. Where should we go next?” Li Xiao asked.

“Let me think… How about we go to Chengdu and have that delicious hot pot again?” Huang Pengfei suggested.

“Great! Let’s head to Chengdu, then,” Li Xiao said excitedly.

Filled with anticipation, they embarked on a new journey.

The next day, Li Xiao and Huang Pengfei decided to go to Yabuli Ski Resort to experience the fun of skiing. Yabuli Ski Resort is one of China’s most famous ski destinations. Its excellent slopes attract ski enthusiasts from all over. After arriving, they changed into their ski gear and began their lesson with an instructor.

At first, both Li Xiao and Huang Pengfei took quite a few tumbles, but they didn’t give up. They encouraged each other and kept trying. After some practice, they gradually mastered the basics and were able to glide smoothly down the slopes.

“Wow, I finally learned how to ski! This feeling is amazing!” Li Xiao shouted excitedly.

“Haha, I’m getting pretty steady on my skis now too. Skiing really is a lot of fun,” Huang Pengfei said with a laugh.

They reveled in the joy of skiing, embracing the thrill of speed and passion on the slopes. The surrounding scenery was stunning. Pure white snowflakes sparkled in the sun, making them feel as if they were in a world of silver.

During their time in Harbin, Li Xiao and Huang Pengfei also watched a spectacular ice acrobatics show. The performers executed all sorts of difficult maneuvers on the ice, like spins, jumps, and tosses, leaving the audience dazzled. Their performance was absolutely magnificent, earning thunderous applause and cheers from the crowd.

“These performers are incredible! The way they move on the ice is as graceful as a dance,” Li Xiao said admiringly.

“Yeah, ice acrobatics really is a unique art form. Harbin has such a rich and diverse culture,” Huang Pengfei replied.

Their winter trip to Harbin was coming to an end, and both Li Xiao and Huang Pengfei were sad to leave. They had spent an unforgettable time in the city, experiencing the magic of the ice and snow and the warmth and heartiness of the people of Harbin.

“This trip to Harbin was a real eye-opener. The winter culture here is so unique. We definitely have to come back again,” Li Xiao said.

“Mhm, you’re right. This trip also gave us a better understanding of northern Chinese culture. Where do you think we’ll go on our next trip?” Huang Pengfei asked with a smile.

“Haha, let’s figure that out once we’re back. I’m sure every trip will bring its own unique surprises and rewards,” Li Xiao replied.

Bidding farewell to the icy world of Harbin, Li Xiao and Huang Pengfei arrived in Qingdao, a city brimming with coastal charm and historical character. Located on the southeastern tip of the Shandong Peninsula, the city boasted both a beautiful coastline and a rich cultural heritage, filling them with anticipation for the trip. As they set foot in Qingdao, the first things they noticed were the crisp sea breeze and the warm sun. Li Xiao took a deep breath and said to Huang Pengfei, “Pengfei, the air here is so fresh. It smells just like the ocean.” Gazing at the sea in the distance, Huang Pengfei smiled and replied, “Yeah, it’s good to see the ocean again. And the sea here in Qingdao… it looks different somehow.”

They made their way to Zhanqiao Pier, one of Qingdao’s most iconic landmarks. The pier stretched out into the sea, ending at the Huilan Pavilion. From the pier, they could overlook the beautiful scenery of the entire Jiaozhou Bay. Waves crashed against the pier’s pilings, sending up sprays of white foam. Li Xiao and Huang Pengfei strolled along its length, admiring the ocean view and feeling the caress of the sea breeze.

“Look, there’s a bunch of people over there feeding the seagulls,” Huang Pengfei said, pointing to a group of tourists nearby.

They joined the flock of people feeding the seagulls. The birds circled overhead, swooping and vying for the food tourists tossed into the air. Li Xiao watched them excitedly, snapping photos constantly. “These seagulls are so cute,” he said to Huang Pengfei. “They really bring Zhanqiao Pier to life.”

After leaving Zhanqiao Pier, they headed to the Badaguan area. Badaguan is a famous scenic health resort district in Qingdao, featuring architecture from various countries, earning it the nickname “International Architecture Exhibition.” Li Xiao and Huang Pengfei strolled through the streets of Badaguan, admiring the eclectic mix of villas. The red-tiled roofs, green trees, azure sea, and blue sky combined to form a picturesque scene.

“These buildings are gorgeous. Every single one has its own unique character,” Li Xiao said admiringly.

“Yeah, this place is steeped in history. You can just imagine the kind of people who used to live here,” Huang Pengfei replied.

They spent a long time exploring Badaguan, occasionally stepping inside some of the villas to have a look. The interiors were just as exquisite, with their original period styles carefully preserved. It was as if Li Xiao and Huang Pengfei had traveled back in time, getting a feel for Qingdao’s historical evolution.

Around noon, they found a nearby seafood restaurant, ready to sample Qingdao’s local delicacies. The city was famous for its rich variety of delicious, fresh seafood. They ordered spicy stir-fried clams, steamed crab, mackerel dumplings, and a Tsingtao beer. When the dishes arrived at the table, the tantalizing aroma made their mouths water.

“Wow, this seafood looks amazing,” Li Xiao said, eagerly picking up a crab and digging in.

“Mhm, it’s so fresh and delicious. These mackerel dumplings are great, too. Here, try one,” Huang Pengfei said, picking up a dumpling with his chopsticks and offering it to Li Xiao.

They savored their meal while drinking Tsingtao beer. The beer had a full-bodied, mellow flavor with a fine head, leaving a pleasant aftertaste. Li Xiao and Huang Pengfei enjoyed the delicious lunch, soaking in the unique atmosphere of Qingdao.

After lunch, they went to May Fourth Square. Named after the May Fourth Movement, the square is one of Qingdao’s most important landmarks. In the center stands the iconic sculpture “The Winds of May.” With its spiraling, wind-like form and fiery red color, it fully embodies the anti-imperialist and anti-feudal patriotic spirit of the May Fourth Movement, as well as the surging power of the nation. Li Xiao and Huang Pengfei stood before the sculpture, feeling the weight of that history.

“The May Fourth Movement was a pivotal event in modern Chinese history,” Li Xiao said, moved. “It represents the patriotism and spirit of resistance of China’s youth.”

“Yeah, we should always remember this history and cherish the good life we have now,” Huang Pengfei responded.

Near May Fourth Square, they also visited some modern buildings and shopping centers. Qingdao possessed both historical depth and modern vitality, a fusion that gave the city a unique charm.

The next day, Li Xiao and Huang Pengfei went to Laoshan Mountain. Laoshan Mountain is Qingdao’s most famous peak, renowned for its beautiful natural scenery and deep-rooted Taoist culture. They took a cable car up the mountain, where the views were breathtaking. With its strange peaks and bizarre rock formations, clear springs and flowing waterfalls, and towering ancient trees, it felt as if they had stepped into a fairyland.

“Look, doesn’t that peak over there look like a giant?” Li Xiao asked, pointing to a mountain in the distance for Huang Pengfei.

“It really does. The scenery on Laoshan Mountain is truly spectacular. It certainly lives up to its fame,” Huang Pengfei replied.

On the mountain, they visited sacred Taoist sites like Taiqing Palace and Shangqing Palace, learning about the history and culture of Taoism. The temples were simple and elegant, with a solemn, dignified atmosphere. Inside, Li Xiao and Huang Pengfei viewed various cultural relics and historical monuments, gaining a sense of the vast depth of Taoist culture.

After descending Laoshan Mountain, their Qingdao trip was drawing to a close. Li Xiao and Huang Pengfei were both extremely satisfied with their journey. In Qingdao, they had experienced the romance of the coast and the profound depth of its history. The city had left them with wonderful memories.

“Qingdao really is a special city. It has beautiful natural scenery and a rich history and culture. We gained so much from this trip,” Li Xiao said.

“Yeah, and we can always come back. There are so many other beautiful cities in China for us to explore,” Huang Pengfei responded.

Filled with a lingering affection for Qingdao and anticipation for their next destination, Li Xiao and Huang Pengfei left the beautiful city to continue their journey. They believed that every trip was an opportunity for growth and discovery, and that each one would make their lives all the more rich and colorful.