Chapter 446 - 22: Part 2

Chapter 446: Chapter 22: Part 2

"These shadow puppets are so exquisite," Huang Pengfei marveled, watching the puppets on stage.

Li Xiao was also captivated by the performance. He remarked, "Shadow puppetry is a traditional folk art of Chengdu with a long history. These performances help us better understand the culture of Chengdu."

After the performance, they went out onto the streets of Chengdu to buy local specialties. There was Pixian Broad-bean Paste, hot pot base, Shu embroidery, and more.

"Old Li, look, this hot pot base looks good. We can buy some to take back and make hot pot ourselves," Huang Pengfei said, picking up a package of it.

Li Xiao took a look and said, "Sure. The hot pot base from Chengdu is famous, and the flavor is very authentic."

They selected a few specialties and put them in their backpacks.

"Well, that’s the end of our return visit to Chengdu," Li Xiao said.

Huang Pengfei was a little reluctant to leave. "It’s over so soon? I wanted to stay for a few more days."

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

Huang Pengfei thought for a moment and said, "How about we go to Xi’an? I feel like I didn’t get to see enough of the Terracotta Warriors last time we were there."

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

Filled with anticipation, Li Xiao and Huang Pengfei arrived once again in the historic Ancient Capital Xi’an. The moment they stepped out of the station, the familiar atmosphere of the Ancient City enveloped them.

"Old Li, we’re back in Xi’an. It’s just as breathtaking as I remember," Huang Pengfei said excitedly, gazing at the ancient architecture all around.

Li Xiao nodded. "It is. Xi’an’s historical heritage runs incredibly deep. Come on, let’s head straight for the Terracotta Warriors Museum."

The two arrived at the Terracotta Warriors Museum and were once again struck by the magnificent sight. Thousands upon thousands of terracotta figures stood in neat formations, as if recounting the glorious history of over two thousand years ago.

"It’s unbelievable every time I see it. The craftsmanship of the ancients was just superb," Huang Pengfei remarked, carefully examining each warrior.

Li Xiao replied, "Exactly. These Terracotta Warriors aren’t just works of art; they’re a testament to history. They show us the power and glory of the Qin Dynasty."

They lingered in the museum for a long time, listening intently to the tour guide’s explanations and gaining a deeper understanding of the Terracotta Warriors.

"Old Li, how do you think they made these Terracotta Warriors?" Huang Pengfei asked curiously.

Li Xiao thought for a moment. "They say the Terracotta Warriors were made from fired clay. Every single one has a unique expression and posture, which must have required incredible skill and patience."

After leaving the Terracotta Warriors Museum, they headed to the Ancient City Wall. Standing atop the wall and looking out over the whole of Xi’an City, they were overcome by a sense of the vastness of history.

"This wall is as magnificent as ever," Huang Pengfei said as they walked.

Li Xiao said, "The Ancient City Wall of Xi’an is one of the largest and most completely preserved ancient city walls in China. Walking along it feels like you can travel through time and sense the wars and peace of ancient days."

They rented a bicycle on the wall and rode along its length. The gentle breeze on their faces and the warm sunlight made them feel wonderfully at ease.

"Old Li, this is an amazing feeling," Huang Pengfei said with a laugh.

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

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

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

They went to a restaurant famous for its mutton soup with flatbread and ordered two bowls. Before long, the steaming hot meal was brought to their table.

"This mutton soup still tastes as authentic as ever," Huang Pengfei said, full of praise as he ate.

Li Xiao took a bite of the flatbread. "It is. The food in Xi’an is always unforgettable. After we’re done, let’s go try some other local snacks."

They went on to eat other Xi’an specialties like pork-filled buns, cold skin noodles, and Qishan Mountain-style sauced noodles.

"This pork-filled bun is incredible. The braised pork is rich but not greasy, and the bun is so crispy and delicious," Huang Pengfei said in satisfaction.

Li Xiao nodded in agreement. "Every single dish in Xi’an really has its own unique charm."

After their meal, they went to see a shadow puppet show. The venue was packed with an audience, and on stage, puppeteers manipulated the figures, enacting wonderful stories.

"These shadow puppets are so exquisite," Huang Pengfei marveled, watching the puppets on stage.

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

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

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

Li Xiao took a look. "It really is. We could buy a few to take home as souvenirs."

They selected a few specialties and put them in their backpacks.

"Well, that’s the end of our return visit to Xi’an," Li Xiao said.

Huang Pengfei was a little reluctant to leave. "It’s over so soon? I’m not ready to leave yet."

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

Huang Pengfei thought for a moment and said, "How about we go to Hangzhou? We didn’t get to properly enjoy the night scenery at West Lake last time."

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

Li Xiao and Huang Pengfei set off on their journey to Hangzhou, both filled with anticipation.

When they arrived in Hangzhou again, the city was as picturesque as ever. The moment they stepped off the train, the fresh air and familiar atmosphere lifted their spirits.

"Old Li, there’s just something so comforting about Hangzhou," Huang Pengfei said, taking a deep breath with a look of pure bliss.

Li Xiao nodded with a smile. "It is. The beauty of Hangzhou is hard to resist. Come on, let’s head to West Lake first and see what it’s like at night."

They arrived at the edge of West Lake just as night was falling. The lake was decorated with lights, making it exceptionally enchanting. The reflections of the lights shimmered on the water’s surface, creating a dreamlike scene.

"Wow, the night scenery at West Lake is gorgeous!" Huang Pengfei couldn’t help but exclaim.

Li Xiao was also moved by the sight. He said softly, "West Lake at night has a different kind of charm than it does during the day. It’s more serene and mysterious."

They strolled along the shore, admiring the lakeside at night. In the distance, Leifeng Pagoda stood illuminated, looking particularly solemn, as if recounting ancient tales.

"What do you think Lady Bai and Xu Xian would be doing on a night like this?" Huang Pengfei asked, a sudden thought striking him.

Li Xiao chuckled. "Perhaps they’d be admiring this beautiful view, too. The legends of West Lake add so much romance to this place."

As they walked, they came upon a small lakeside path where many street artists were performing. There were people singing, playing the guitar, and painting. The atmosphere was bustling with life.

"Old Li, these performers are so talented," Huang Pengfei said, watching them.

Li Xiao nodded. "They are. They add even more energy and artistry to the evenings at West Lake."

They lingered by the lake for a long time, enjoying the wonderful evening. It was only when their stomachs started to GROWL that they remembered they still hadn’t eaten dinner.

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

They went to a restaurant specializing in Hangzhou cuisine and ordered several signature dishes: West Lake Vinegar Fish, Longjing Shrimp, and Beggar’s Chicken.

"This West Lake Vinegar Fish is as delicious as I remember," Huang Pengfei said with satisfaction after taking a bite.

Li Xiao picked up one of the Longjing Shrimp and savored it. "The flavor of the Longjing Shrimp is perfectly authentic, too. The shrimp are tender, with a delicate hint of Longjing tea."

After dinner, they went to see a Yue Opera performance. The theater was filled with spectators, and on stage, performers in gorgeous costumes acted out brilliant scenes from the repertoire.