Chapter 440 - 19: Part 2

Chapter 440: Chapter 19: Part 2

Li Xiao’s face was also filled with awe. "It really is. It’s like a natural landscape painting. Come on, let’s go check out the Li River first."

The two of them couldn’t wait to get to the banks of the Li River, and they were immediately captivated by the crystal-clear water and the unique mountain peaks on either side. On the river’s surface, tour boats drifted by slowly, sending out ripples across the water.

"Wow, this water is so clear! You can see the pebbles on the riverbed," Huang Pengfei said as he crouched down, reaching out to gently touch the water.

Li Xiao smiled. "This is the charm of the Guilin Scenery. Look at those peaks. They all have different shapes. Some look like camels, others like elephants. It’s really incredible."

They boarded a tour boat and began their journey down the Li River. As the boat moved forward, the beautiful scenery on both banks unfolded before their eyes. Huang Pengfei, camera in hand, excitedly snapped one picture after another.

"Old Li, look over here! Doesn’t that peak look like an old man deep in thought?" Huang Pengfei asked, pointing at a mountain.

Li Xiao followed his finger with his gaze and nodded. "It really does. The incredible craftsmanship of nature is truly a sight to behold."

The tour boat drifted slowly along the river. A gentle breeze brushed against their faces, bringing a refreshing coolness. Li Xiao and Huang Pengfei, immersed in the beautiful scenery, felt completely at ease.

"It would be nice to live in a place like this forever," Huang Pengfei lamented.

Li Xiao chuckled. "We can’t do that. We still have lots of other places to see. But we can always come back again when we get the chance."

After their tour of the Li River, they were both getting hungry.

"Let’s go try some of Guilin’s local delicacies," Li Xiao said.

They found a local restaurant and ordered some specialties: Guilin rice noodles, Yangshuo Beer Fish, and Stuffed River Snails. Before long, all the dishes had arrived.

"Wow, these Guilin rice noodles look delicious!" Huang Pengfei couldn’t wait to pick up his chopsticks and take a bite. "Mmm, this is great! The noodles are smooth and have a nice chew, and the broth is so fragrant."

Li Xiao picked up a piece of the Yangshuo Beer Fish and popped it into his mouth. "This beer fish is delicious too. The fish is tender, and there’s a faint hint of beer."

They chatted as they enjoyed their meal.

"The food in Guilin is truly unforgettable," Huang Pengfei said.

Li Xiao nodded. "Yeah, every place has its own unique culinary culture. You could say we’ve tasted our way across the country on this trip."

After dinner, they went to watch a folk performance. The venue was bustling with energy. Onstage, performers dressed in traditional ethnic costumes put on a show of Zhuang Clan songs and dances, folk acrobatics, and other acts.

"These performers are incredible! That was an amazing show," Huang Pengfei said, clapping.

Li Xiao was also captivated by the performance. "The culture of the Zhuang Clan is so rich and vibrant. These folk shows give us a better understanding of the local customs and way of life."

After the show, they hit the streets of Guilin to buy some local products. There was Guilin Sanhua Liquor, Guilin chili sauce, Arhat Fruit, and more.

"Old Li, check out this Arhat Fruit. It looks good. We could buy some to give to our friends back home," Huang Pengfei said, picking one up.

Li Xiao took a look and said, "Good idea. Arhat Fruit is good for clearing heat and soothing the lungs. It’d be a great gift for our elders."

They selected a few local products and packed them in their backpacks.

"Well, that concludes our tour of Guilin," Li Xiao announced.

Huang Pengfei was a little sad to leave. "It’s over already? I’m not ready to leave yet."

Li Xiao smiled. "Don’t worry, we still have plenty of places to see. So, where to next?"

Huang Pengfei thought for a moment. "How about Zhangjiajie? I’ve heard the scenery there is spectacular too."

"Sounds good," Li Xiao said. "Then let’s head to Zhangjiajie."

Li Xiao and Huang Pengfei arrived in Zhangjiajie full of anticipation. The moment they stepped out of their vehicle, they were stunned by the spectacular sight of the bizarre peaks and strange rock formations before them.

"Whoa, Old Li, Zhangjiajie is so epic!" Huang Pengfei shouted, his eyes darting everywhere in excitement.

Li Xiao was equally captivated by the unique terrain. He took a deep breath and said, "It really lives up to its reputation. The mountains here are in a league of their own. Come on, let’s head to Zhangjiajie National Forest Park first."

Walking into the park was like stepping into a fantasy world. Towering peaks that scraped the sky, dense forests, and clear streams—every view was breathtaking.

"Look at that mountain," Huang Pengfei said, pointing to a distant peak. "Doesn’t it look like a sharp sword piercing the heavens?"

Li Xiao followed his friend’s pointing finger and nodded in admiration. "It really does. Nature’s creativity is endless. The peaks here all have different shapes. Some look like people, others like animals. It’s incredible."

They strolled along the mountain paths, soaking in the peace and beauty of nature. Along the way, birds sang merrily from the branches and the creek babbled, as if playing a beautiful melody.

"Old Li, the air here is so fresh," Huang Pengfei said with an enraptured expression, taking a deep breath. "I feel totally relaxed."

Li Xiao smiled. "Yeah. After being cooped up in the city for so long, coming to a place like this is a real treat."

As they walked on, they reached the Yuanjiajie area. The scenery here was even more spectacular—the famous Mount Hallelujah (Qiankun Pillar) stood tall right before their eyes.

"This is breathtaking! It’s straight out of the movie *Avatar*!" Huang Pengfei exclaimed, practically dancing with excitement.

Li Xiao was also awestruck by the majestic peak. He sighed in admiration, "The incredible craftsmanship of nature is truly a sight to behold. I wonder how many ages of sculpting it took to create such a marvel."

They stayed in Yuanjiajie for a long time, taking in the beautiful scenery to their hearts’ content. Afterward, they headed to the Emperor Mountain area. The peaks of Emperor Mountain were even more majestic, shrouded in mist and clouds, making it look just like a fairyland.

"Old Li, look at all this mist! It feels like we’re walking among the clouds," Huang Pengfei said excitedly.

Li Xiao laughed in response. "Haha, it really does. The scenery here is so beautiful it feels like you’ve stepped into a fairyland."

After touring the various scenic areas, they were both tired, and their stomachs started to grumble.

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

They found a local restaurant and ordered some specialties: Sanxiaguo, Tu Clan cured meat, and He Cai. Before long, all the dishes had arrived.

"Wow, this Sanxiaguo looks so appetizing!" Huang Pengfei couldn’t wait to pick up his chopsticks and take a bite. "Mmm, this is delicious! It’s fragrant and spicy."

Li Xiao picked up a piece of the Tu Clan cured meat and savored it. "This cured meat is amazing too. It’s rich, but not greasy."

They chatted as they ate.

"The food in Zhangjiajie is really unique too," Huang Pengfei remarked.

Li Xiao nodded. "Yeah. The food in every place reflects its local culture and lifestyle. Getting to taste so many different cuisines on this trip has been a reward in its own right."

After dinner, they went to see another folk performance. The venue was packed with tourists. Onstage, performers in the traditional dress of the Tu Clan performed the Baishou Dance, the Maogusi Dance, and other numbers.

"These performances are fantastic. They’ve given us a better understanding of the Tu Clan’s culture," Huang Pengfei said as he clapped.

Li Xiao was also captivated. He remarked with feeling, "These folk performances aren’t just an art form; they’re a way of passing down culture. By watching them, we can better understand the local history and heritage."

After the show, they hit the streets of Zhangjiajie to buy some local products. There was Zhangjiajie kudzu powder, Tu Clan berry tea, and Du Zhong Tea.

"Old Li, look, this kudzu powder seems pretty good. We could buy some to give to our friends back home," Huang Pengfei said, picking up a package.

Li Xiao took a look and said, "Good idea. Kudzu powder has a lot of health benefits."

They selected a few local products and packed them away in their backpacks.