Chapter 413 - 6: Suzhou

Chapter 413: Chapter 6: Suzhou

"This face-changing is incredible! How do they do it?" Huang Pengfei asked curiously.

"It’s a signature technique of Sichuan opera. I hear it’s full of secrets," Li Xiao said.

After the folk performance, they started shopping for local specialties. Famous products from Chengdu include hot pot base, Pixian Broad-bean Paste, and Shu brocade. They picked out a few things they liked, planning to bring them back as gifts for friends and family.

"Old Li, this trip to Chengdu has been so rewarding," Huang Pengfei said, his hands full of shopping bags.

"Yeah. We got to admire the beautiful old streets, taste the local food, watch a folk performance, and buy some specialties. Now, it’s time to head to our next destination," Li Xiao said.

「Full of anticipation, they arrived in Suzhou.」

The moment they set foot on this land, a gentle and graceful atmosphere washed over them.

"Old Li, Suzhou has such a poetic feel to it! Look at this scenery, it’s like something out of a painting," Huang Pengfei said excitedly.

Li Xiao smiled and nodded. "That’s right. Suzhou is world-famous for its gardens and water villages. Come on, let’s go check out Zhuozheng Garden first."

They arrived at Zhuozheng Garden and were immediately captivated by the exquisite landscape the moment they stepped through the gates. Pavilions, terraces, and waterside corridors were artfully arranged throughout the grounds.

"Wow, Zhuozheng Garden is gorgeous! Look at this pavilion... this architecture... it has so much character," Huang Pengfei marveled as they walked.

Li Xiao was also lost in the beautiful scenery. "It is. Zhuozheng Garden is a masterpiece of Jiangnan garden design. Every inch of this place exudes artistic charm."

They strolled through the garden, admiring the exquisite architecture and scenery. The pavilion on the man-made hill, the lotuses in the pond, the carvings along the corridors—they found themselves lingering, unwilling to leave any of it behind.

"Old Li, how were people in ancient times so creative? To think they could build a garden this beautiful," Huang Pengfei asked curiously.

"It speaks to the wisdom and aesthetic sensibilities of the ancients. They perfectly blended natural landscapes with art and culture to create these beautiful gardens," Li Xiao explained.

After leaving Zhuozheng Garden, they headed to the Lion Forest. The Lion Forest is famous for its man-made hills, a labyrinthine collection of bizarrely shaped rock formations that sparked a desire to explore.

"Hey, Old Li, these rockeries are really neat. Let’s race to see who can find the exit first," Huang Pengfei said with excitement.

"You’re on, but try not to get lost," Li Xiao said with a laugh.

They weaved through the man-made hills, one moment climbing to a peak, the next ducking into a grotto, having an absolute blast.

After touring the gardens, they arrived at Zhouzhuang, one of Suzhou’s famous water villages. They were instantly enchanted by the scenery. The river was so clear you could see the bottom, small boats drifted slowly along, and the ancient buildings on either bank cast their reflections on the water, creating a picturesque scene.

"Old Li, Zhouzhuang is so beautiful. It feels like I’ve walked into a dream," Huang Pengfei said, leaning on a railing by the river and gazing into the distance.

"It is. The charm of a water village like Zhouzhuang is unforgettable. Come on, let’s take a boat ride and soak in the atmosphere," Li Xiao said.

They boarded a small boat, and the boatman began to work the sculling oar, propelling them slowly down the river. A gentle breeze caressed their faces, bringing with it a pleasant coolness. They admired the scenery on both banks while listening to the boatman’s stories about Zhouzhuang.

"This is the life! I wish we could stay here forever," Huang Pengfei sighed wistfully.

After their tour of Zhouzhuang, they were both getting hungry. They decided it was time to sample the local cuisine of Suzhou.

"I’ve heard Suzhou’s squirrel-shaped mandarin fish is famous. Let’s go try it," Li Xiao suggested.

"Yes, let’s! I’ve been dying to try it," Huang Pengfei said eagerly.

They found a restaurant and ordered the squirrel-shaped mandarin fish. A few moments later, the dish was brought to their table, a feast for the eyes, nose, and palate.

"Wow, this dish is beautiful! It really does look like a squirrel," Huang Pengfei exclaimed, marveling at the plate.

Li Xiao picked up a piece of the fish and put it in his mouth. "Mmm, it’s sweet and sour, crispy on the outside and tender on the inside. Delicious!"

After finishing the squirrel-shaped mandarin fish, they sampled other Suzhou specialties, like Yangcheng River Crab and various Suzhou Cakes. Each delicacy was unforgettable.

After their meal, they found a venue for folk performances. A Pingtan show was underway. The performers, dressed in cheongsams and holding pipas, sang ancient tales in the soft, melodic Wu dialect.

"This Pingtan is so beautiful! The voices, the melody... it’s so enchanting," Huang Pengfei said, closing his eyes to listen quietly.

"It is. Pingtan is a traditional art form from Suzhou, very distinctive," Li Xiao said.

After the folk performance, they started shopping for local specialties. Famous products from Suzhou include silk, Biluochun Tea, and Su Embroidery. They picked out a few things they liked, planning to bring them back as gifts for friends and family.

"Old Li, this trip to Suzhou has been so rewarding," Huang Pengfei said, his hands full of shopping bags.

"Yeah. We got to admire the beautiful gardens and water village scenery, taste the local food, watch a folk performance, and buy some specialties. Now, it’s time to head to our next destination," Li Xiao said.

「Wrapped in thick winter coats and full of anticipation, Li Xiao and Huang Pengfei arrived in Harbin.」

The moment they stepped off the train, a bone-chilling wind assaulted them, giving them an instant taste of the cold in this Ice City.

"Whoa, Old Li, Harbin is freezing! But it has a really unique feel to it," Huang Pengfei said excitedly, rubbing his hands together for warmth.

Li Xiao smiled and nodded. "It is. Harbin is the famous ’Capital of Ice and Snow.’ We have to really experience its winter magic on this trip. Come on, let’s go check out Central Avenue first."