Chapter 427 - 13: South Putuo Temple

Chapter 427: Chapter 13: South Putuo Temple

"The performance from these actors is truly brilliant," Huang Pengfei said, applauding.

Li Xiao was also captivated by the performance. He sighed in admiration, "Yue Opera is one of Hangzhou’s traditional theatrical arts, and it has a unique artistic charm. Every time I watch it, I can feel the depth of Hangzhou’s culture."

After the performance, they went out onto the streets of Hangzhou to buy some local specialties. There was West Lake Longjing Tea, silk, Wangxingji fans, and more.

"Old Li, look at this silk scarf! It’s beautiful. I could buy one for my mom," Huang Pengfei said, picking up a silk scarf.

Li Xiao took a look and said, "Sure. Silk is one of Hangzhou’s specialties, and the quality is excellent."

They picked out a few specialties and put them in their backpacks.

"Well, that’s it for our return trip to Hangzhou," Li Xiao said.

Huang Pengfei was a bit reluctant to leave. "It’s over so soon? I’m not done having fun yet."

Li Xiao smiled. "It’s alright, there are still plenty of places we haven’t been. Where to next?"

Huang Pengfei thought for a moment. "How about we go to Xiamen? Last time we were there, we didn’t get to visit Nanputuo Temple."

"Sounds good. Let’s head to Xiamen then," Li Xiao said.

Full of excitement, Li Xiao and Huang Pengfei arrived in the beautiful city of Xiamen. As always, the coastal city exuded a unique charm.

"Old Li, we’re back in Xiamen! It feels just as great as ever," Huang Pengfei said excitedly, looking at the familiar yet new scenery around them.

Li Xiao nodded with a smile. "Yeah, Xiamen has a kind of magic that just lets you relax. Come on, let’s head straight to Nanputuo Temple."

The two arrived at Nanputuo Temple. The temple was solemn and dignified, with a strong aroma of burning incense. Stepping inside, the tranquil atmosphere instantly calmed the mind.

"This Nanputuo Temple is so magnificent," Huang Pengfei remarked, marveling at the grand architecture.

Li Xiao said softly, "Nanputuo Temple has a long history. It’s a Buddhist Holy Land in the Min Nan Region. Not only is the architecture exquisite, but you can also feel a deep sense of religious and cultural atmosphere here."

They slowly toured the temple, admiring the Buddha statues and ancient architecture. From time to time, they could hear the melodious sound of bells and chanting, a cleansing experience for the soul.

"Old Li, I feel like my whole being has become peaceful here," Huang Pengfei said.

Li Xiao replied, "It’s true. An environment like this helps you forget your troubles and reflect on life."

After leaving Nanputuo Temple, they went to the seaside. The golden sand, blue ocean, and white waves formed a beautiful picture.

"Whoa, the ocean is so beautiful!" Huang Pengfei shouted excitedly as he ran toward the shore.

Li Xiao followed him to the water’s edge, feeling the crash of the waves. They took off their shoes and strolled along the beach, enjoying the rare moment of peace.

"Old Li, wouldn’t it be great if we could just live here forever?" Huang Pengfei said wistfully, gazing at the distant sea.

Li Xiao chuckled. "We can’t do that. We still have so many places to go. But we can always come back when we have the chance."

Tired from playing by the sea, the two of them started to get hungry.

"Come on, let’s go try some of Xiamen’s famous food," Li Xiao said.

They went to a seafood restaurant and ordered some specialty dishes: salt and pepper mantis shrimp, steamed grouper, and oyster omelet.

"This mantis shrimp is as tempting as ever," Huang Pengfei said, eagerly picking one up, peeling it, and taking a bite.

Li Xiao picked up a piece of the oyster omelet and savored it. "The oyster omelet is delicious too. The oysters are very fresh, and the combination with egg and sweet potato starch gives it a really rich texture."

After dinner, they went to see a Min Nan Puppet Theater performance. The venue was packed with spectators. On stage, puppeteers manipulated the cloth puppets, performing a wonderful show.

"These puppets are so exquisite," Huang Pengfei said, watching the cloth puppets on stage.

Li Xiao was also captivated by the performance. He remarked, "Min Nan Puppet Theater is a traditional folk art in Xiamen with a long history. Every time I see it, I can feel the cultural charm of Xiamen."

After the show, they went out onto the streets of Xiamen to buy some local specialties. There were Gulangyu Island pies, Nanputuo Vegetarian Cakes, Lacquer Thread Carvings, and more.

"Old Li, look at this Lacquer Thread Carving. It’s beautiful. We could buy some to give to our friends back home," Huang Pengfei said, picking one of the crafts up.

Li Xiao took a look and said, "Sure. Lacquer Thread Carving is a traditional craft from Xiamen, and it’s very exquisite."

They picked out a few specialties and put them in their backpacks.

"Well, that’s it for our return trip to Xiamen," Li Xiao said.

Huang Pengfei was a bit reluctant to leave. "It’s over so soon? I’m not done having fun yet."

Li Xiao smiled. "It’s alright, there are still plenty of places we haven’t been. Where to next?"

Huang Pengfei thought for a moment. "How about we go to Dali? Last time we were there, we didn’t get to see the other sights on Cangshan."

"Sounds good. Let’s head to Dali then," Li Xiao said.

Filled with anticipation, Li Xiao and Huang Pengfei arrived in Dali once again. A city full of poetry, it offered new surprises with every visit.

"Old Li, Dali is as beautiful as ever," Huang Pengfei said the moment he got out of the car, captivated by the sight of the blue sky, white clouds, Cangshan, and Erhai Lake.

Li Xiao nodded with a smile. "It is. The charm of Dali lies in its tranquility and beauty. Come on, let’s go check out the other sights on Cangshan this time."

They arrived at the foot of Cangshan and took a cable car, slowly ascending. Looking down from above, they had a panoramic view of Dali’s beautiful scenery. In the distance, Erhai Lake shimmered, and the surrounding villages were quiet and peaceful.