Chapter 426 - 12: Coastal New City (Part 2)

Chapter 426: Chapter 12: Coastal New City (Part 2)

After watching the performance, they went to buy some local specialties. These included traditional handicrafts, unique snacks, and modern creative merchandise. They picked out a few distinctive souvenirs to commemorate their trip. Huang Pengfei held up a creatively designed notebook and said, "This notebook is so creative. I’ll take it back for my friends; they’ll definitely love it." Li Xiao smiled and said, "You’re right. These specialties are all very meaningful. They’ll help us remember the new face of this Ancient City."

After buying the specialties, they wandered around the Ancient City for a while longer. As the sun set, the Ancient City was bathed in a golden afterglow, making it look exceptionally beautiful. Li Xiao and Huang Pengfei stood atop an old City Tower, gazing at the distant scenery, their hearts filled with emotion. Huang Pengfei said, "Today was so much fun. This Ancient City let me experience a rich historical atmosphere and a unique modern charm." Li Xiao said, "It’s true. Every place has its own unique charm. Our journey continues, and I look forward to the surprises the next place will bring."

The next day, they packed their bags and, with fond memories of the Ancient City’s new look, set off on the next leg of their journey. To be continued in *Journey through the Xia Kingdom: Seaside New City*.

Leaving behind the Ancient City where history and modernity intertwined, Li Xiao and Huang Pengfei arrived at a vibrant Seaside New City.

As soon as they arrived in the city, modern skyscrapers and wide streets unfolded before their eyes. In the distance, the azure sea merged with the city’s skyline in a breathtaking view. Huang Pengfei looked around excitedly and said, "Li Xiao, this place feels so modern! It’s completely different from the other places we’ve been." Li Xiao smiled in response. "It is. This Seaside New City must have plenty of places worth exploring."

They strolled along the coastal avenue, the sea breeze gently brushing against their faces, bringing a touch of coolness. Palm trees along the road swayed gracefully, adding a splash of tropical flair to the city. Li Xiao and Huang Pengfei occasionally paused to admire the ocean view and soak in the city’s unique charm.

As they walked, they came to a large seaside park. Many people were in the park, strolling, jogging, and riding bicycles, while some families were picnicking on the grass. Watching the lively scene, Huang Pengfei said, "The people here seem so relaxed! Li Xiao, let’s also find a place to sit and rest for a bit." They found a bench under a large tree and sat down, enjoying the leisurely moment.

After wandering through the park for a while, they visited some of the city’s other famous attractions, like the modern art museum and the science and technology exhibition hall. In the art museum, they admired many exquisite works of art and felt the charm of the art world. In the science and technology exhibition hall, they experienced various advanced devices, filling them with anticipation for future technological developments. As they toured, Huang Pengfei remarked with feeling, "This city is so vibrant. It not only has beautiful natural scenery but also so many advanced cultural and technological facilities." Li Xiao responded, "Exactly. That’s the charm of the Seaside New City."

Before they knew it, it was noon. They decided to go try the local cuisine. The specialties of the Seaside New City included seafood feasts and various international dishes. They found a seafood restaurant and ordered some fresh seafood and local specialty dishes. When the delicious seafood was served, the tempting aroma greatly whetted their appetites.

"Wow, this seafood looks so fresh!" Huang Pengfei eagerly picked up his chopsticks and took a bite. "Mmm, the flavor is so savory and fresh. It’s delicious." Li Xiao also tried a bite of a local specialty dish and was full of praise. "The food here is very distinctive, a fusion of all sorts of different flavors."

After lunch, they went to watch a local folk performance. The performance was held in a city square and included traditional dances and music, as well as modern street dancing and magic shows. The performers’ brilliant show gave them a deep appreciation for the city’s cultural diversity. Li Xiao and Huang Pengfei were captivated, clapping and cheering without pause.

After watching the performance, they went to buy some local specialties again. The specialties here included dried seafood, unique handicrafts, and fashionable souvenirs. They picked out a few distinctive gifts to commemorate the trip. Huang Pengfei held up a handicraft made of seashells and said, "This is very creative. I’ll take it back for my family; they’ll definitely love it." Li Xiao smiled and said, "You’re right. These specialties are all very meaningful. They’ll help us remember the beauty of this Seaside New City."

After buying the specialties, they wandered around the city for a while longer. At night, the Seaside New City was brilliantly lit and bustling with activity. The seaside night view was especially breathtaking, with lights reflecting on the water’s surface, creating a magnificent, colorful panorama. Li Xiao and Huang Pengfei stood by the sea, gazing at the beautiful scenery, their hearts filled with emotion.

Li Xiao and Huang Pengfei shouldered their bags and set off for the first stop on their tour of the Xia Kingdom—the Jiangnan Water Town Wuzhen.

The two of them took the train, excitedly discussing their expectations for the trip the whole way.

"Hey, Li Xiao, just how beautiful do you think Wuzhen is?" Huang Pengfei asked, his face full of anticipation.

Li Xiao smiled, his eyes full of yearning. "I’ve heard it’s like an ink wash painting, full of poetry and romance. We can stroll along the ancient stone-paved roads and admire the beautiful scenery of small bridges, flowing water, and traditional homes."

After a train ride of several hours, they finally arrived in Wuzhen. The moment they stepped out of the station, the unique, humid air of Jiangnan washed over them. In the distance, ancient buildings with white walls and black-tiled roofs were arranged picturesquely along both sides of the canals. A few black-canopied boats bobbed on the water, making it feel as if one had traveled back in time.

"Wow, this is unbelievably beautiful!" Huang Pengfei couldn’t help but exclaim.

Li Xiao nodded. "Come on, let’s go check out the East Scenic Area first."

They walked into the East Scenic Area along a bluestone path. The small shops lining the road were dazzling, filled with all sorts of specialty souvenirs. Li Xiao and Huang Pengfei admired the surrounding scenery as they walked, stopping from time to time to take pictures.

"Look, that bridge is so unique!" Huang Pengfei said, pointing to an ancient stone bridge.

Li Xiao followed his finger and saw the stone bridge spanning a canal, its body carved with exquisite patterns, full of artistic flair. They walked onto the bridge and looked down at the water below. The water was so clear you could see the bottom, with fish swimming about merrily.

"The scenery here is truly beautiful. It feels like being inside a painting," Li Xiao remarked with emotion.

"Yeah, I never thought a place this beautiful existed in the Xia Kingdom," Huang Pengfei agreed.

After coming down from the stone bridge, they continued walking and arrived at a traditional Jiangnan courtyard. The courtyard was filled with flowers, plants, and trees, and it had a small pond where a few lotus flowers were in bloom, creating a feeling of peace and tranquility.

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

"Mhm, it would be nice to live here for a while," Huang Pengfei said.

Leaving the courtyard, they visited a few more old residences. These homes were remarkably well-preserved, filled with traditional furniture and decorations that let one feel the unique charm of the Jiangnan Water Village.

Before they knew it, noon had arrived. Li Xiao’s and Huang Pengfei’s stomachs had also started to rumble.

"Come on, let’s go try the food here," Li Xiao said.

They went to a local restaurant and ordered a few specialty dishes, such as Wuzhen soy-braised duck, red-braised lamb, and whitefish. The moment the dishes were placed on the table, they were captivated by the enticing aroma.

"Wow, this looks delicious!" Huang Pengfei eagerly picked up his chopsticks and tried a bite of the soy-braised duck. "Mmm, this is really good. The meat is tender and succulent, and the soy sauce flavor is so rich."