novelraw Chapter 1669
Chapter 1669
Chapter 1669
Not far away is the "Jianfeng Pond", with clear green water, like the eyes of the earth. There is a collapsed stone peak beside the pond, shaped like a sharp sword, with the hilt submerged in the water.
The words "Jianfeng" were engraved on the sword. Although the blade fell into the pool in the earthquake, it still exuded a sharp aura. Li Xiao squatted by the pool, looking at the stone peak reflected in the water, and said softly:
"Legend has it that the sword that Ahei used to rescue Ashima was stuck in this pool. Although it is broken now, its charm is still there, as if we can still see that legendary story unfolding." Zhang Yuedong captured the interweaving of light and shadow in the water and the stone peaks, and continued:
"This picture is full of mystery. I have to sort out these photos when I get back. It will definitely be very touching when paired with this legend." Lin Yifei picked up a small stone and gently threw it into the pond, stirring up ripples. He smiled and said, "Maybe these ripples are Ashima's response."
In the evening, they came to the small stone forest, where the atmosphere was more gentle and mellow than that of the big stone forest. In the afterglow of the setting sun and the colorful lights, the "Ashima" stone peak looked like a graceful Sani girl, full of affection, as if looking forward to the return of Ahei. Li Xiao stood quietly in front of the stone peak, moved by this romantic mood:
"This Ashima Stone Peak carries the deep affection and legends of the Sani people of the Yi ethnic group. It is really moving." Zhang Yuedong used lighting effects to take a series of beautiful photos. He said as he took the photos, "Such a beautiful picture must be recorded so that more people can see it." Lin Yifei curiously asked the tourists around him for more legends about Ashima and listened with great interest.
After a whole day of sightseeing, they were already hungry. They came to a local restaurant and ordered the most representative Yunnan cross-bridge rice noodles. The steaming big bowl was served on the table, covered with a thick layer of chicken fat, which kept the soup hot.
The side dishes are rich and varied, including raw pork tenderloin slices, chicken breast slices, mullet slices, as well as cooked crispy fried chicken, duck, etc., as well as various vegetarian dishes and condiments.
According to the local way of eating, they first beat the quail eggs into the soup, then coat the raw meat with egg liquid and put it into the soup. The meat slices are cooked in an instant, and then the cooked meat, vegetables, seasonings, and finally the rice noodles are added. Li Xiao took a bite and his eyes lit up immediately: "This cross-bridge rice noodles has a delicious soup and rich ingredients. After taking a bite, I feel full of happiness. It really lives up to its reputation."
Zhang Yuedong also praised it highly: "Yes, this unique way of eating is both interesting and can preserve the freshness of the ingredients to the greatest extent. It's amazing." Lin Yifei ate voraciously and said vaguely: "I feel like I can eat three big bowls. It's so delicious."
During the meal, the restaurant owner, a hospitable Yi uncle, saw that the three of them liked the cross-bridge rice noodles so much, so he took the initiative to come over and talk to them, telling them the story of the Sani people of the Yi ethnic group. The uncle spoke in Mandarin with a slight accent and said, "We Sani people have lived by this stone forest for generations, and the legend of Ashima is like our spiritual pillar.
The Torch Festival is the most lively time of the year. Everyone dances and sings around the bonfire. The boys play the sanxian and the girls wear beautiful clothes. It is so lively. "Li Xiao listened attentively and asked curiously:
"Uncle, is the Da Sanxian dance difficult to learn?" The uncle stood up with a smile, picked up a replica Da Sanxian next to him, and demonstrated it simply: "It's not difficult, just follow the rhythm, move your feet, and shake your hands. If you are interested, there will be performances in the square in the evening, go and join in the fun."
As night fell, a bonfire was lit in the square near the Stone Forest Scenic Area, and cheerful Sanxian music sounded. Men, women, old and young in the Sani ethnic group dressed in colorful costumes and danced passionately in a circle.
Li Xiao, Zhang Yuedong and Lin Yifei were also infected by the joyful atmosphere and joined the dance team. They hurriedly imitated the movements of the locals, although they were a little clumsy, but their faces were filled with happy smiles.
Zhang Yuedong said to Li Xiao while dancing: "This dance is so contagious. It feels like all my worries are thrown away." Li Xiao smiled and responded:
"Yes, this is the meaning of traveling, to experience a different life and to set yourself free." Lin Yifei was completely immersed in the rhythm of the music, dancing to his heart's content.
When they were tired of dancing, they sat aside to rest and enjoy other folk performances. The Yi people's songs, dances and acrobatics were brilliant and showed the unique charm of this ethnic group.
During the performance, they also visited the small stalls nearby and bought some souvenirs with Yi characteristics, such as exquisite embroidered handkerchiefs, unique silver ornaments, etc. Li Xiao bought a book introducing Yi culture and planned to go back to learn more about it;
Zhang Yuedong picked out several small handicrafts and planned to take them back to decorate his photography studio; Lin Yifei bought himself a hat embroidered with Yi ethnic patterns and couldn't put it down after putting it on his head.
This day's journey in Kunming Stone Forest allowed them to appreciate the magic of nature and the charm of national culture. With full harvest and joy, they returned to the hotel, looking forward to tomorrow's trip, wondering what kind of wonderful things were waiting for them.
After leaving Kunming, they set off for Xi'an. The plane circled over the ancient city. Li Xiao looked down through the window, and a feeling of awe for this historic city surged in his heart: "Xi'an, the ancient capital of 13 dynasties, feels like every inch of land carries a heavy history. We must experience it this time." Zhang Yuedong also excitedly echoed:
"Yes, the Terracotta Warriors, the ancient city wall, these famous attractions, I can finally see them with my own eyes." Lin Yifei rubbed his hands eagerly: "I also want to try the authentic Roujiamo and Yangrou Pao Mo, I heard that they taste amazing."
After arriving in Xi'an, they took a short break and headed straight to the Qin Shi Huang Terracotta Warriors and Horses Museum. As soon as they entered the scenic area, they were stunned by the spectacular scene.
In Pit No. 1, thousands of terracotta warriors are neatly arranged, like an underground army ready to go to war at any time. Li Xiao stood on the observation deck, staring for a long time, and exclaimed: "This is simply too shocking! Look at these terracotta warriors, each of them has a different expression and demeanor. The craftsmanship of the ancients is simply the pinnacle."
Zhang Yuedong kept pressing the shutter of his camera, trying to capture every wonderful detail, muttering: "Yes, this is a masterpiece from more than 2,000 years ago. The heavy sense of history is overwhelming. The texture of the armor and the hair on the Terracotta Warriors are so clearly carved. I wonder how much effort the craftsmen at that time spent." Lin Yifei curiously moved closer and carefully observed the weapons in the hands of the Terracotta Warriors.
Said: "These weapons look very sharp. The casting technology of the ancients should not be underestimated."
They followed the tour guide and listened to the introduction of the Terracotta Warriors. The tour guide vividly described the discovery process, production process and historical stories behind the Terracotta Warriors. From Qin Shihuang's ambition to unify the six kingdoms to the hardships that the craftsmen endured to complete this great project, every detail made the three people listen attentively. During the visit, they also met several foreign tourists. Li Xiao enthusiastically stepped forward to communicate in English and introduce the charm of the Terracotta Warriors to them. A tourist from France said with emotion: "This is amazing! It's a wonder of the world."
After coming out of the Terracotta Warriors Museum, they were still restless. Then, they came to the Xi'an City Wall. This ancient city wall is like a giant dragon, surrounding the city of Xi'an.
The three rented bicycles and prepared to ride along the city wall to experience the charm of the ancient city. In the evening, the afterglow of the setting sun sprinkled on the city wall, giving it a layer of gold. With the breeze blowing on their faces, they rode on the wide city wall and admired the scenery inside and outside the city wall. Li Xiao said with emotion:
"This city wall has witnessed the changes of many dynasties and the vicissitudes of history. Now when we ride on it, it seems that we can travel through time and space and talk with the ancients." Zhang Yuedong stopped the car, took a photo of the beautiful sunset, and said:
"This scene is so beautiful, the golden sunshine, the ancient city walls, and the scattered ancient buildings in the distance are a perfect combination." Lin Yifei speeded up, enjoying the fun of riding, and shouted: "It's so cool, this wind, this scenery, I feel all the fatigue is gone."
After the ride, they came to Muslim Street. It was brightly lit, bustling with people coming and going. The aroma of various delicacies filled their noses, making them salivate.
Walking into a time-honored mutton soup steamed bun restaurant, the restaurant was packed with people, and the steamed buns were sizzling. According to the traditional way of eating, they broke the buns themselves. Li Xiao said as he broke them, "Breaking the buns is very particular, the buns must be broken into even sizes, and it is said that this is the way to make them taste better."
Zhang Yuedong responded with a smile: "Yes, I feel this is also a way to experience traditional culture." After a while, the steaming mutton soup with steamed buns was served on the table. The mutton was tender and juicy, the steamed buns were full of soup, and the aroma was everywhere.
Lin Yifei couldn't wait to take a bite and gave a thumbs up: "This taste is so authentic! The mutton is soft and tender, and the soup is delicious. I feel like I can eat two big bowls."
After eating mutton soup steamed bun, they continued to walk around Huimin Street and eat. Roujiamo, cold noodles, zonggao... all kinds of delicacies made them overwhelmed.
In front of a Roujiamo shop, the owner greeted them warmly: "Come and try our authentic Roujiamo. The bun is crispy and the meat is fragrant. I guarantee you will love it." Zhang Yuedong bought one, took a bite, and praised it highly:
"This steamed bun is crispy and delicious, and the meat is well-marinated. It smells really good. Boss, how many generations has your craft been passed down?" The shop owner smiled and said, "This craft has been passed down from my grandfather's generation to the present day. I hope everyone enjoys eating it."
As they were walking around, they came to a small square where folk artists were performing Qinqiang. The passionate and rough singing and wonderful performance attracted many tourists to stop and watch. Li Xiao and his friends were also attracted by this performance full of regional characteristics and squeezed to the front of the crowd.
Lin Yifei was fascinated by the performance and said, "This Qinqiang opera sounds really exciting. Although I don't understand what they are singing, I just think it has great flavor." Zhang Yuedong used his camera to record this wonderful moment and planned to enjoy it when he got back.
After the performance, they took photos with the artists, who enthusiastically introduced the history and characteristics of Qinqiang to them: "Qinqiang is a treasure of Shaanxi, with a long history, and it sings the stories of our common people."
When they left the Muslim Street, their hands were full of various Xi'an specialties, such as exquisite shadow puppets, simple paper-cuts, and special cured beef and mutton. Li Xiao bought several books on the history and culture of Xi'an and planned to go back for further research;
Zhang Yuedong selected some photography props with Xi'an characteristics, preparing to add color to the subsequent travel photography; Lin Yifei bought himself a pair of stone locks for fitness, saying that he wanted to practice traditional Kung Fu.
This day's journey in Xi'an made them feel as if they were traveling through time and space, and they experienced the integration of the splendor of ancient civilization and modern life.
Back at the hotel, they lay on the bed, recalling the day's experiences and looking forward to tomorrow's trip, wondering what kind of surprises were waiting for them at the next stop.
Bidding farewell to Xi'an, they headed for Qingdao, a city full of romance and vitality. When the plane landed, the sea breeze blew in with the breath of the sea, making people feel relaxed and happy. Li Xiao took a deep breath, his face full of intoxication
"This sea breeze, with the smell of the sea, feels like all my fatigue has been blown away." Zhang Yuedong also stretched out his arms excitedly: "We are finally in Qingdao. I can't wait to see the sea." Lin Yifei, with his bag on his back, strode forward: "Let's go to the beach first."
Their first stop was the pier, a century-old building that looked like a giant dragon reaching into the sea. The pier was crowded with people, some leaning on the railings to look out into the distance, and some taking photos.
Li Xiao and his friends strolled on the pier, with the rough sea at their feet. In the distance, the sea and the sky merged into one, and it was hard to tell which was the sea and which was the sky. Li Xiao couldn't help but sigh: "Standing here, I feel so small. The vastness of the sea is awe-inspiring."
Zhang Yuedong kept pressing the shutter of his camera to capture the changing light and shadow on the sea: "This scenery is beautiful no matter how you take pictures. Every picture can be used as a wallpaper." Lin Yifei approached the railing, watching the waves hitting the bridge piers, splashing layers of white waves, and shouted excitedly: "Sea, here I come!"
Not far away, a group of seagulls were flying in the sky, sometimes diving towards the sea, sometimes flapping their wings and flying high. Tourists took out food to feed them, and the seagulls were not afraid and caught the food accurately.
Li Xiao and his friends also joined in. Li Xiao threw the bread crumbs in his hand into the air, and a seagull quickly flew over and took them away. He smiled and said, "These seagulls are so smart, they seem to be well-trained." Zhang Yuedong took the opportunity to take pictures of the wonderful moment of the seagulls hunting:
"This picture is so interesting, people and nature live in harmony." Lin Yifei interacted with the seagull. He raised his hand to signal, and the seagull seemed to understand. It circled above his head for several times, causing laughter from the surrounding tourists.
Going along the coastline, you will arrive at the famous Badaguan. It is a collection of architectural styles from more than 20 countries including Russia, Britain, France, Germany, and the United States, and is known as the "International Architecture Expo". Walking into Badaguan, you feel like you are in an exotic fairy tale world.