Chapter 422 - 10-2: Suzhou and Hulunbuir

Chapter 422: Chapter 10-2: Suzhou and Hulunbuir

They picked out some local specialties and returned, their hands full.

The next day, they visited some of Harbin’s other attractions, like Sun Island and the Songhua Riverbank. These sights gave them an even deeper appreciation for Harbin’s beauty and charm.

"Goodbye, Harbin! We’ll never forget your world of ice and snow." Li Xiao and Huang Pengfei waved farewell to the fairytale city, ready to head to their next destination.

Leaving the fairytale world of ice and snow in Harbin, Li Xiao and Huang Pengfei set off on their journey to Suzhou. All along the way, they imagined what the city, so full of the charm of a Jiangnan Water Village, would be like.

"Old Li, they say ’heaven is above, but on Earth, there are Suzhou and Hangzhou.’ Suzhou must be absolutely beautiful," Huang Pengfei said, full of anticipation.

Li Xiao smiled and replied, "Suzhou has a long history and a deep cultural heritage. This time, we’ll get to properly experience the unique charm of a Jiangnan Water Village."

After a long journey, they finally arrived in Suzhou. The moment they stepped out of the station, they were enveloped by the warm, humid air and a faint floral fragrance.

"Wow, even the air here feels poetic," Huang Pengfei said, entranced, taking a deep breath.

They made their way to Suzhou’s famous attraction, the Zhuozheng Garden. As a masterpiece of classical Jiangnan gardens, its grounds were filled with pavilions, terraces, waterside gazebos, and winding corridors. The layout was exquisite, and the scenery was delightful.

"This Zhuozheng Garden is just stunning!" Huang Pengfei exclaimed as he walked, admiring the surrounding beauty.

"It is. Every single view here embodies the wisdom and aesthetic sense of the ancients," Li Xiao said.

They strolled through the Zhuozheng Garden, admiring the different scenery of the four seasons. In spring, it was a riot of colorful blossoms, bursting with life. In summer, it was shady and cool under a canopy of green trees. In autumn, the maple leaves were as red as cinnabar, and the sweet osmanthus filled the air with its fragrance. In winter, it was cloaked in a tranquil blanket of white snow.

After touring the Zhuozheng Garden, they went to Huqiu. Huqiu is one of Suzhou’s landmark attractions, possessing a long history and rich cultural significance.

"Old Li, look at the Huqiu Tower! It’s magnificent!" Huang Pengfei said in awe, gazing up at it.

"The Huqiu Tower is known as the Leaning Tower of China. It’s truly amazing that it’s still standing after a thousand years of wind and rain," Li Xiao replied.

They toured Huqiu for a while, taking in famous sights like the Sword Pool and the Thousand People Stone. Each spot had its own stories and legends, giving them a feel for Suzhou’s deep-rooted history.

After touring Huqiu, they were getting hungry. So, they headed to one of Suzhou’s food streets to sample the local delicacies. Suzhou has many famous dishes, such as Squirrel-Shaped Mandarin Fish, Yangcheng River Crab, and Suzhou Cake.

"Old Li, what should we eat first?" Huang Pengfei asked, looking at the food stalls lining the street.

Li Xiao thought for a moment and said, "Let’s start with the Squirrel-Shaped Mandarin Fish. It’s a famous Suzhou dish."

They found a restaurant, sat down, and ordered the dish. Before long, the Squirrel-Shaped Mandarin Fish was served. The body of the fish was fried to a golden crisp, cut to resemble a squirrel, and drizzled with a sweet and sour sauce that made one’s mouth water.

"Mm, delicious! This Squirrel-Shaped Mandarin Fish really lives up to its reputation," Huang Pengfei said with a thumbs-up as he ate.

After finishing the fish, they also tried the Yangcheng River Crab and Suzhou Cake. The Yangcheng River Crab was succulent and full of rich roe, while the Suzhou Cake was soft and chewy, sweet but not cloying.

"The food in Suzhou is really something else," Huang Pengfei said with satisfaction.

After eating and drinking their fill, they went to a Suzhou theater to watch a Kunqu Opera performance. Kunqu is one of China’s oldest forms of opera, known for its beautiful singing and delicate performances. The actors, dressed in ornate costumes, moved gracefully on stage, making the audience feel as if they had traveled back in time.

"This Kunqu music is so beautiful, and the performance is incredible!" Huang Pengfei said excitedly.

Li Xiao was also captivated by the performance. He said, "Kunqu Opera is one of Suzhou’s cultural treasures. We should do our best to preserve and promote it."

After the show, they went to a local specialty shop. The store was filled with all kinds of local products, such as Su Embroidery, Biluochun Tea, and Suzhou silk.

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

Li Xiao said, "The Su Embroidery is exquisite; we could get a piece as a souvenir. The Biluochun Tea is good, too, very fragrant. And Suzhou silk is famous, so we could bring some of that back as well."

They picked out some local specialties and returned, their hands full.

The next day, they visited more of Suzhou’s attractions, like Pingjiang Road and the Lion Forest. These places gave them an even deeper sense of Suzhou’s water-village atmosphere.

"Goodbye, Suzhou! We’ll never forget your beauty and charm." Li Xiao and Huang Pengfei waved farewell to the city steeped in ancient elegance, ready to head to their next destination.

Leaving behind Suzhou with its water-village charm, Li Xiao and Huang Pengfei began their journey to Hulun Bei’er. Along the way, both were filled with anticipation for the vast grasslands they were about to see.

"Old Li, the Hulunbei’er Grassland... just how magnificent will that be!" Huang Pengfei said excitedly.

Li Xiao smiled and replied, "It is. Hulun Bei’er is one of the most beautiful grasslands in China. This time, we can fully immerse ourselves in its charm."

After the long trip, they finally arrived in Hulun Bei’er. The moment they stepped out of the airport, they were struck by the fresh air and the vast, open expanse of the sky and land.

"Wow, the sky is so blue!" Huang Pengfei exclaimed, gazing upwards in awe.

They arrived at the Hulunbei’er Grassland. The endless prairie stretched out like a giant green carpet to the horizon. Under the blue sky and white clouds, herds of cattle and sheep grazed, and valiant horses galloped freely.

"This grassland is so beautiful!" Huang Pengfei shouted with excitement as he started running across the plains.

Li Xiao was also captivated by the scenery. "Everything here makes you feel so free and peaceful," he said.

They rode horses, meandering across the grassland and feeling the gentle breeze and the scent of the plains. In the distance, yurts were scattered across the landscape, adding a unique touch of local color.

"Look, those yurts are so distinctive," Huang Pengfei said, pointing into the distance.

"They are. They’re the traditional dwellings of the Mongolian Clan," Li Xiao replied.

They approached a yurt and were welcomed by the warm and hospitable members of the Mongolian Clan. Their hosts presented them with khata scarves and served them fragrant milk tea and hand-pulled mutton.

"This milk tea is delicious, and the mutton is amazing too," Huang Pengfei said as he ate.

"The food of the Mongolian Clan is very unique; it’s a part of their culture," Li Xiao said.

After spending the day on the grassland, they went to Hulun Lake. Hulun Lake is the fifth-largest freshwater lake in China. Its water was crystal clear, and it was surrounded by beautiful prairies and mountains.

"This Hulun Lake is so beautiful!" Huang Pengfei said, standing by the shore and gazing at the water.

"Hulun Lake is like a pearl set into this vast grassland," Li Xiao replied.

They stood by the lake, admiring the beautiful scenery and soaking in the peace and splendor of nature.

After visiting Hulun Lake, they found themselves hungry again. So they went to a Mongolian Clan restaurant to try more of their cuisine, like roast whole lamb, milk tofu, and fried rice millet.

"This roast whole lamb is so epic!" Huang Pengfei exclaimed, marveling at the dish as it was brought to the table.

"Roast whole lamb is a traditional delicacy of the Mongolian Clan, a dish reserved for honored guests," Li Xiao said.

They savored the delicious roast whole lamb, experiencing the warmth and hearty spirit of the Mongolian people.

After eating and drinking their fill, they went to a theater in Hulun Bei’er to watch a spectacular song and dance performance by the Mongolian Clan. The performers, dressed in magnificent traditional Mongolian attire, sang and danced, showcasing the life and culture of their people.

"That performance was incredible!" Huang Pengfei said excitedly.

Li Xiao was also deeply captivated by the show. "The songs and dances of the Mongolian Clan are so full of power and passion," he said. "You can really feel their love for life."

After the performance, they went to a local specialty shop. The store was filled with all kinds of local products, such as beef jerky, dairy products, and Mongolian Sabers.

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