Chapter 420 - 9: Part 2

Chapter 420: Chapter 9: Part 2

After visiting the Wuhou Temple, they were hungry again. So, they went to a famous hot pot restaurant in Chengdu. Chengdu hot pot is known for being numbing, spicy, and savory, and it’s one of the signature dishes of Chengdu cuisine.

"Old Li, we’ve got to properly try this Chengdu hot pot today," Huang Pengfei said excitedly.

They found a hot pot restaurant and sat down, ordering a numbing and spicy hot pot. Before long, the hot pot was brought out, its contents bubbling with bright red chili peppers and Sichuan peppercorns, the aroma assailing their senses.

"This hot pot looks incredibly spicy!" Huang Pengfei said, looking at the chili peppers in the pot.

They started to taste the hot pot, sweating profusely from the spiciness, but they couldn’t stop exclaiming how satisfying it was.

"Mmm, delicious! This Chengdu hot pot really lives up to its reputation," Huang Pengfei said, giving a thumbs-up as he ate.

After finishing the hot pot, they went to a theater in Chengdu to watch a Sichuan opera performance. Sichuan opera is the traditional opera of Sichuan, possessing a unique style and artistic charm. The actors’ wonderful performances earned round after round of applause from the audience.

"This Sichuan opera face-changing is incredible!" Huang Pengfei said excitedly.

Li Xiao was also deeply captivated by the performance. He said, "Sichuan opera is a cultural treasure of Chengdu. It’s something we should work to preserve and share."

After watching the show, they went to a local specialty shop. The shop was filled with all kinds of local products, such as Pixian Broad-bean Paste, Shu embroidery, and hot pot base.

"Old Li, what do you think we should buy to take back?" Huang Pengfei asked.

Li Xiao said, "The Pixian Broad-bean Paste and hot pot base are both good choices. We can take them back for our families to taste the flavor of Chengdu. The Shu embroidery is also very exquisite; we could buy a piece as a souvenir."

They picked out some local specialties, returning with their hands full.

The next day, they visited other scenic spots in Chengdu, such as Du Fu’s Cottage and Wenshu Temple. These sights gave them a deeper appreciation for Chengdu’s rich history and culture.

"Goodbye, Chengdu! We’ll always remember your charm." Li Xiao and Huang Pengfei waved goodbye to the vibrant city, preparing to head to their next destination.

Bidding farewell to the bustling city of Chengdu, Li Xiao and Huang Pengfei set off on their journey to Guilin. Along the way, their hearts filled with anticipation as they imagined the picturesque, scroll-like landscapes.

"Old Li, everyone says that Guilin’s scenery is the best under heaven. I can’t wait to see it for myself," Huang Pengfei said excitedly.

Li Xiao smiled and replied, "That’s right. Guilin’s beauty is world-renowned. We’ll have to take our time and really appreciate it."

After a while on the road, they finally arrived in Guilin. The moment they got out of the car, they were awestruck by the scenery before them. In the distance, mountain ranges rose and fell, each with a unique shape. Some looked like camels, some like elephants, some like old men, and some like fairies. The waters of the Li River were crystal clear, winding through the mountains like a jade-green ribbon.

"Wow, this is practically a paradise on Earth!" Huang Pengfei’s eyes went wide, his jaw dropping.

They eagerly went to the bank of the Li River and boarded a tour boat to go downstream. The boat moved slowly across the river’s surface, a gentle breeze caressing their faces and carrying a refreshing scent. They admired the beautiful scenery on both banks while listening to the tour guide’s explanation.

"Look, that mountain over there is called Nine Horses Painting Mountain. It’s said that anyone who can make out all nine horses has the makings of a top scholar," the guide said, pointing to a distant peak.

Li Xiao and Huang Pengfei carefully studied the patterns on the mountain, trying to find the nine horses. "I think I can see seven or eight," Huang Pengfei said.

"Haha, keep trying," Li Xiao said with a laugh.

The boat continued forward, and they saw many other beautiful sights, such as the Yellow Cloth Reflection and the Xingping Scenic Area. Every single sight left them breathless with wonder.

"The scenery of Guilin is just so beautiful, even more beautiful than I imagined," Huang Pengfei said with a sigh of wonder.

"Indeed. The masterful work of nature is breathtaking," Li Xiao replied.

After touring the Li River, they arrived in Yangshuo. Yangshuo is a county in Guilin with even more enchanting natural scenery and a rich local culture. They strolled along West Street in Yangshuo, soaking in the unique charm of the small town.

West Street was lined with quaint, traditional buildings, packed with shops selling all sorts of specialty snacks, handicrafts, and souvenirs. The street was bustling with people, creating a lively atmosphere.

"This West Street has such a great vibe!" Huang Pengfei said as he walked, looking at the surrounding shops.

"Yeah, it has a very artistic feel," Li Xiao replied.

On West Street, they sampled Yangshuo’s specialty foods, like Beer Fish, Stuffed Snails, and Guilin rice noodles. Each dish left a lingering, delicious aftertaste.

"The food in Yangshuo is really great," Huang Pengfei said with satisfaction.

After eating and drinking their fill, they went to a theater in Yangshuo to see the Impression Liu Sanjie show. Impression Liu Sanjie is a large-scale outdoor performance with the Li River and its mountains as a backdrop, based on the legend of Liu Sanjie. The production was grand, the lighting was brilliant, and the actors’ spectacular performance made the audience feel as if they were in a dream world.

"That show was absolutely stunning!" Huang Pengfei said excitedly.

Li Xiao was also deeply captivated by the performance. He said, "This show fully showcases the beauty of Guilin’s scenery and the charm of its folk culture."

After the show, they went to a local specialty shop. The shop was filled with all kinds of local products, such as Guilin Sanhua Liquor, Lipu taro, and Yangshuo Golden Tangerines.

"Old Li, what do you think we should buy to take back?" Huang Pengfei asked.

Li Xiao said, "The Guilin Sanhua Liquor is very famous; we could take a few bottles back. The Lipu taro and Yangshuo Golden Tangerines are good too. We can bring some back for our families to try."

They picked out some local specialties, returning with their hands full.

The next day, they visited other scenic spots in Guilin, such as Elephant Trunk Hill and Fubo Mountain. These sights gave them an even deeper appreciation for the beauty of Guilin’s scenery.

"Goodbye, Guilin! We’ll always remember your beauty." Li Xiao and Huang Pengfei waved goodbye to this paradise on Earth, preparing to head to their next destination.

Leaving the picturesque Guilin behind, Li Xiao and Huang Pengfei set off on their journey to Qingdao. Along the way, they talked excitedly about the coastal city they were heading to.

"Old Li, Qingdao has the ocean and beer. It’s gotta be awesome," Huang Pengfei said, his face full of anticipation.

Li Xiao smiled and replied, "That’s right. Qingdao is a charming city that combines European flair with beautiful coastal views."

After some traveling, they finally arrived in Qingdao. As soon as they walked out of the station, they felt the sea breeze on their skin and smelled the faint salty tang in the air.

"Wow, this sea breeze feels so good!" Huang Pengfei spread his arms, embracing the wind.

They went to the seaside, where a boundless ocean stretched out before them. Waves crashed against the shore with a rhythmic roar. In the distance, a few fishing boats sailed slowly on the surface of the sea, and seagulls soared in the sky.

"The ocean is so beautiful!" Huang Pengfei ran excitedly to the water’s edge, took off his shoes, and felt the cool water on his feet.

Li Xiao also walked over, feeling exceptionally refreshed as he looked at the ocean. "Come on, let’s go see Zhanqiao Pier."

They strolled along the shore and arrived at Zhanqiao Pier. The pier is one of Qingdao’s iconic landmarks, a long structure extending into the sea like a giant dragon. Standing on the pier, they could enjoy the beautiful ocean views.

"Look, there’s a big ship over there," Huang Pengfei said, pointing to a vessel in the distance.

"Yeah, Qingdao’s port is very busy," Li Xiao replied.

After coming down from the pier, they went to Badaguan. Badaguan is one of Qingdao’s most distinctive scenic areas, home to many European-style buildings, earning it the nickname "the International Architecture Exhibition."

"These houses are so beautiful!" Huang Pengfei said as he walked, admiring the surrounding architecture.

"The architecture in Badaguan blends a variety of styles. Every building has its own story," Li Xiao said.

They toured Badaguan for a while, admiring famous sights like the Princess Tower and the Huashi Tower. They marveled at the exquisite exteriors and unique designs of these buildings.

After touring Badaguan, they were hungry again. So, they headed to Qingdao’s Beer Street. Qingdao beer is world-renowned, and the street was lined with beer houses and seafood restaurants.