Chapter 442 - 20-2

Chapter 442: Chapter 20-2

They lingered in the Terracotta Warriors Museum for a long time, carefully admiring each warrior. From Pit 1 to Pits 2 and 3, every section made them marvel at the exquisite craftsmanship of the ancient artisans.

"Old Li, why do you think Emperor Qin Shi Huang built such a massive army of Terracotta Warriors?" Huang Pengfei asked curiously.

Li Xiao thought for a moment and said, "Perhaps it was so he could still have a powerful army to guard his empire in the afterlife. These Terracotta Warriors aren’t just works of art; they’re witnesses to history."

After leaving the Terracotta Warriors Museum, they went to the Ancient City Wall. As they ascended the wall and gazed out over all of Xi’an City, they were filled with a profound sense of history.

"This wall is so magnificent!" Huang Pengfei exclaimed as he walked.

Li Xiao said, "The Ancient City Wall of Xi’an is one of the largest and best-preserved ancient city walls in China. Walking on it feels like you can travel through time and feel the wars and peace of ancient times."

They rented a bicycle on the wall and rode along its top. The gentle breeze on their faces and the sun on their backs put them in high spirits.

"Old Li, this feels amazing!" Huang Pengfei said with a smile.

Li Xiao smiled too. "It is. Admiring the beautiful scenery while soaking in the historical atmosphere... it’s truly a pleasure."

After their ride along the wall, they were both getting hungry.

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

They arrived at Huimin Street, which was bustling with activity, the air thick with the aroma of countless delicacies. They tasted some of Xi’an’s specialties, like Yangrou Paomo, Roujiamo, and Liangpi.

"This Yangrou Paomo is really good. The broth is fresh and delicious," Huang Pengfei said, showering it with praise as he ate.

Li Xiao took a bite of his Roujiamo and said, "The Roujiamo is delicious too. The braised pork is rich but not greasy, and the bun is crispy and tasty."

After eating, they went to see a shadow puppet show. The performance area was filled with spectators, and on stage, performers manipulated the shadow puppets, acting out wonderful stories.

"These shadow puppets are so intricate!" Huang Pengfei said, watching the stage.

Li Xiao was also captivated by the performance. He remarked with feeling, "Shadow puppetry is a traditional folk art in Xi’an with a long history. These performances give us a better understanding of Xi’an’s culture."

After the show, they went out onto the streets of Xi’an to buy local specialties. There were model Terracotta Warriors, rubbings from the Stele Forest, and red dates from Northern Shaanxi.

"Old Li, look, this Terracotta Warrior model is so realistic," Huang Pengfei said, picking one up.

Li Xiao looked at it and said, "It really is. We can buy a few to take back as souvenirs."

They picked out some specialties and put them in their backpacks.

"Alright, that’s it for our tour of Xi’an," Li Xiao said.

Huang Pengfei was a little reluctant. "It’s over already? I’m not done having fun yet."

Li Xiao smiled and said, "Don’t worry, there are still plenty of places we haven’t been. Where to next?"

Huang Pengfei thought for a moment. "How about we go to Hangzhou? I’ve heard West Lake there is beautiful."

"Sure. Then let’s head to Hangzhou," Li Xiao said.

Li Xiao and Huang Pengfei traveled south, arriving in the poetic city of Hangzhou. The moment they set foot in this place, the fresh air and picturesque scenery refreshed their spirits.

"Old Li, Hangzhou really lives up to its reputation. It feels like even the air is poetic," Huang Pengfei said, taking a deep breath with a look of pure bliss.

Li Xiao nodded with a smile. "It’s true. Hangzhou has always been a darling of poets and scholars. Come on, let’s go see West Lake first."

The two arrived at the shore of West Lake and were immediately captivated by the beautiful vistas. The lake’s surface rippled like jade, willows drooped gracefully along the banks, and distant mountains were faintly visible through the mist.

"Wow, this West Lake is just too beautiful!" Huang Pengfei couldn’t help but exclaim.

Li Xiao was also moved by the sight. He said softly, "’I’d compare West Lake to Xi Shi, beautiful with light makeup or heavy.’ Su Shi’s line truly captures the beauty of West Lake to perfection."

They strolled along the lakeshore, admiring West Lake’s various sights. "Melting Snow on the Broken Bridge," "Su Causeway in Spring," "Three Ponds Reflecting the Moon"... each spot made them want to linger forever.

"Look at that bridge. Isn’t that the legendary Broken Bridge?" Huang Pengfei asked, pointing at a stone bridge.

Li Xiao followed his gaze and nodded. "That’s right, that’s the Broken Bridge. The story goes that in winter, when the bridge is covered in snow, it looks as if it’s broken from a distance. That’s why one of the sights is called ’Melting Snow on the Broken Bridge’."

They walked onto the Broken Bridge, taking in its historical charm. The lake water sparkled below, and in the distance, Leifeng Pagoda stood with particular solemnity under the sunlight.

"Old Li, do you think Lady Bai and Xu Xian really met on this bridge?" Huang Pengfei asked curiously.

Li Xiao chuckled. "That’s just a legend, but it does add a lot of romantic color to the bridge."

After leaving the Broken Bridge, they came to the Su Causeway. Both sides of the causeway were planted with willows and peach trees. In the spring, the pink blossoms and green willows create a breathtakingly beautiful scene.

"This Su Causeway is so long!" Huang Pengfei said as they walked.

Li Xiao said, "The Su Causeway was built by the great Northern Song Dynasty poet Su Shi when he was the governor of Hangzhou. He had West Lake dredged and used the excavated silt and mud to build it. It’s not just a beautiful scenic path; it’s a precious legacy Su Shi left for future generations."

They strolled along the Su Causeway, admiring the beauty of the lake. A gentle breeze swept by, and the willow branches swayed softly, as if telling them the stories of Hangzhou.

After their tour of West Lake, they were both hungry again.

"Come on, let’s go try Hangzhou’s local food," Li Xiao said.

They found a restaurant specializing in Hangzhou cuisine and ordered specialties like West Lake Vinegar Fish, Longjing Shrimp, and Beggar’s Chicken. It wasn’t long before the dishes were all served.

"Wow, this West Lake Vinegar Fish looks so tempting." Huang Pengfei eagerly picked up his chopsticks and took a bite. "Mmm, it tastes great. The fish is tender, and it’s sweet and sour."

Li Xiao picked up a piece of Longjing Shrimp and savored it. "These Longjing Shrimp are delicious too. The shrimp are tender and have a faint fragrance of Longjing tea."

They chatted while they enjoyed their meal.

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

Li Xiao nodded. "That’s right. Every place has its own unique culinary culture. We’ve certainly tasted our way through the country on this trip."

After dinner, they went to see a Yue Opera performance. The venue was packed, and on stage, actors in gorgeous costumes performed magnificent pieces.

"These actors are amazing. The performance is brilliant," Huang Pengfei said, clapping.

Li Xiao was also captivated by the performance. He remarked with feeling, "Yue Opera is one of Hangzhou’s traditional theatrical arts, and it has a unique artistic charm. These shows help us better understand the culture of Hangzhou."

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

"Old Li, look, this West Lake Longjing Tea looks good. We could buy some to give to friends back home," Huang Pengfei said, picking up a package of tea.

Li Xiao looked at it. "Good idea. West Lake Longjing Tea is one of the ten most famous teas in China. It’s very well-known."

They picked out some specialties and put them in their backpacks.

"Alright, that’s it for our tour of Hangzhou," Li Xiao said.

Huang Pengfei was a little reluctant. "It’s over already? I’m not done having fun yet."

Li Xiao smiled and said, "Don’t worry, 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? I’ve heard the coast there is beautiful."

"Sure. Then let’s head to Xiamen," Li Xiao said.

Full of anticipation, Li Xiao and Huang Pengfei arrived in the beautiful coastal city of Xiamen. The moment they stepped off the train, a sea breeze carrying a faint salty scent washed over them.

"Old Li, Xiamen feels so vibrant!" Huang Pengfei exclaimed, spreading his arms to feel the sea breeze.