Li Xiao stood in front of the mirror, carefully tidying up the straps of her backpack, her eyes flashed with an uncontrollable excitement, and she muttered: "This time you have to relax and throw all the worries of work out of the sky."

He was the most attentive of the three. He made a full book of travel guides, from the characteristic attractions in various cities to the niche food, without missing a single one. At this moment, the guide was carefully stuffed into the outside of his backpack.

Zhang Yuedong fiddled with his camera, trying this lens, adjusting the parameters, and having a childlike smile on his face:

"My camera has to be useful. I must record all the beautiful scenery so that our trip will become the most beautiful existence in my circle of friends." He is a photography enthusiast. For this trip, he specially purchased a wide-angle lens, hoping to shoot a shocking blockbuster.

Lin Yifei was lying lazily on the sofa, his feet were on the coffee table, and his phone was swiping his phone in his hand. From time to time, he said a few words: "I can't wait to try the food from all over the country. I heard that the hot pot in Chengdu and the roujiamo in Xi'an were so delicious!" As the "food leader" among the three, he had already collected a lot of food guides from all over the country on the Internet. The list of restaurants he collected was scary, so he was waiting to check in one by one at the local area.

Finally, everything was ready. They dragged their suitcases and backpacks and stepped out of the house. The sun shone on their bodies, as if they were coated with a layer of golden brilliance for them. With infinite longing for an unknown journey, they stride towards the airport. In the waiting hall, people came and went, and they sat on chairs, excitedly discussing the itinerary of the first stop.

"When we arrived at BJ, let's go to Tiananmen Square to watch the flag-raising first and feel the solemn atmosphere." Li Xiao suggested, his eyes full of yearning.

Zhang Yuedong immediately responded: "Okay, okay, I want to take a picture of the whole process of raising the flag, which will definitely be shocking. After the filming, we will go straight to the Forbidden City to explore the stories behind the ancient palaces."

Lin Yifei smacked his lips: "After visiting the Forbidden City, you have to try the old Beijing fried noodles. I saw several restaurants recommended online, and the reviews were very high."

The radio sounded at the boarding plane, and they looked at each other and smiled, stood up and lined up to board the plane. The plane took off slowly and looked at the city gradually fading out of the window. The three of them were full of expectations for this trip, and a wonderful Chinese city exploration journey began.

After several hours of flight, the three of them arrived in Kunming. After a short rest, they rushed to the Shilin Scenic Area without stopping. As soon as they entered the scenic area, they were instantly shocked by the scene in front of them and could not speak.

I saw countless stone peaks rising up from the ground, thrusting into the sky like a sharp sword, and standing like a giant, densely covering the entire area, making people feel as if they were in a fantasy forest made of stones.

Li Xiao widened his eyes and exclaimed: "This is simply spectacular! I have seen the photos of Shilin in the book, but I was really immersive and found that the photos could not show its shock at all."

As he said, he gently stroked the rough stone wall beside him with his hands, as if he wanted to feel the traces of nature's carving for billions of years.

Zhang Yuedong had already raised the camera excitedly, kept pressing the shutter, and muttering words in his mouth:

"This angle is amazing. The light hits the stone, with light and dark intertwined, and the layers are full of layers. The photos taken must be full of blockbusters." He squatted down for a while, slapped the towering stone peaks to show his majesty; he ran to the distance and captured the panoramic view of the stone forest, trying to capture the shocking beauty in one fell swoop.

Lin Yifei took a deep breath, closed his eyes, and quietly listened to the whistling sound of the breeze blowing across the stone peaks, as if it was an ancient music played by nature. After a long time, he opened his eyes and sighed:

"It's worthwhile to be able to see such a magical landscape with your own eyes. This stone forest is like the secret garden of the earth, hiding endless surprises."

They walked along the winding path and shuttled between the stone peaks. In the Dashi Forest Scenic Area, the Lotus Peak is like a giant stone lotus blooming between heaven and earth, with layers of petals vivid. Li Xiao couldn't help but exclaim: "This Lotus Peak is really a magical work, and nature is the top sculptor."

The water of Jianfeng Pond was clear and the surrounding stone peaks were like swords, and the reflection was swaying in the water. Zhang Yuedong lay beside the pool, slapped constantly, muttering: "This picture is so beautiful that I feel like I have taken a picture of a fairyland."

As he walked, the road ahead became narrower and the stone walls on both sides seemed to squeeze over at any time. Lin Yifei stepped up nervously and whispered:

"If you are a little fat, you really can't get through it. It feels like you are exploring." After finally walking out of the narrow path, a wide scene suddenly appeared in front of you, which made people feel relaxed and happy.

Just as they were immersed in the magnificent scenery of the stone forest, a cheerful and unique music came into their ears. The three of them followed the sound and it turned out that a group of Sani people dressed in bright Yi costumes were performing folk programs in the open space ahead.

The dancers dressed in clothes embroidered with exquisite patterns, colorful and danced the big Sanqin dance with the bright rhythm of music. The men carried the big Sanqin, which was more than one meter long, danced while playing, vigorous and passionate, and every movement was full of power; the women danced gracefully, like a butterfly dancing, and the handkerchiefs in their hands flew in the air, drawing gorgeous arcs.

A enthusiastic Yi uncle came up and invited them in less fluent Mandarin: "Friends from afar, let's dance together!" The three of them happily agreed and joined the dance team.

Li Xiao tried hard to imitate the dancer's movements. Although he was a little clumsy, he also enjoyed it. He smiled and said to his companion: "This dance is so contagious, and he feels that all the fatigue is wiped out."

Zhang Yuedong stopped dancing from time to time and quickly captured a few wonderful moments. He shouted excitedly: "This picture can be blown for a year when I go back, it is so ethnic." Lin Yifei swayed his body with the rhythm, and also communicated with the Yi girl next to him from time to time to understand the story behind the dance.

After the performance, the three of them were still unsatisfied. They sat around and listened to the old Yi people telling the legend of the stone forest. The old man said in a vicissitudes and charming voice:

"A long time ago, this was a vast ocean. Later, the sea water receded and the stone slowly revealed and turned into the stone forest today. There is also the story of Ashima. For love, she turned into a stone and watched the land forever..." The three of them were fascinated by the hearing, as if they had traveled through time and space, witnessing that legendary period.

After spending a long time of traveling, the stomach began to growl. The three of them bid farewell to the enthusiastic Yi compatriots and went to a restaurant near the scenic area to find food. In the restaurant, a tempting aroma came out. They ordered local signature delicacies - Yiliang Roasted Duck, Shilin Roasted Tofu, and several plates of special wild vegetables.

After a while, Yiliang roast duck was served on the table. The skin was yellow and crispy and not burnt, and the oily and shiny. The chopped duck meat was neatly placed on a plate, and the aroma was scented.

Li Xiao couldn't wait to pick up a piece and put it in his mouth. The duck meat was crispy, soft and tender, sweet and tender. He couldn't help but give him a thumbs up: "This roast duck has crispy skin and tender flesh and a rich taste. Compared with Beijing roast duck, it has a unique flavor and is worthy of being a classic Yunnan delicacy."

Zhang Yuedong also tasted it and nodded in praise: "It's really delicious. The taste of this duck meat is very delicate. It's amazing with this unique dipping sauce." As he said that, he picked up another piece of food and feasted.

Then, the tofu was served. The square pieces of tofu were roasted golden and sizzling oil. They were placed in a special dipping sauce and rolled in the mouth. They were burnt on the outside and tender on the inside, and the beans were fragrant.

Lin Yifei was soaked in his mouth that he said vaguely: "This roasted tofu looks inconspicuous and tastes so good. I feel like I can eat a whole plate." While tasting the food, the three of them shared their experiences of the day, and laughter echoed in the restaurant.

After eating and drinking, they walked around the shops around the scenic area and prepared to select some specialties to take them back. The shops were filled with a wide range of goods, including exquisite copper-spotted handicrafts, colorful Sani embroidery, quaint ethnic musical instruments, etc.

Li Xiao was attracted by a small ornament made of copper, which was carved with the scenery of the stone forest, which was lifelike.

He picked up the ornaments, looked carefully, and said to his companions: "This copper-spotted handicraft is so exquisite. It is perfect to use it to commemorate this trip to the stone forest." Zhang Yuedong had a special liking for Sani embroidery. A handkerchief embroidered with the Yi totem made him love it. He said:

"The embroidery has delicate needlework and the pattern is full of ethnic characteristics. It is very meaningful to take it back to send it to friends." Lin Yifei picked up a few small ethnic instruments, such as bamboo flutes and gourd silk, and said with a smile: "I will take these back. I will blow it when I have nothing to do, and I can also reminisce about the wonderful time in Shilin."

The three of them returned with a full load, and embarked on the journey to the next stop with their beautiful memories of the Shilin. They knew that the excitement of the journey had just begun.

When the night was like a huge piece of black silk, gently covering the mountain city of Chongqing, Li Xiao, Zhang Yuedong and Lin Yifei stepped into the fantasy world of Hongya Cave with expectations for the unknown.

As soon as we approached, the brilliantly lit scene was like a heavy punch, which instantly hit their visual nerves. The layers of stilt-style buildings were built along the mountain, like a tower in the sky with brightly lit lights, and also like a dream castle brought out from a fairy tale.

The orange-yellow light pours down like a waterfall, outlining the outline of the building, and exudes a mysterious and charming atmosphere against the backdrop of the night.

Li Xiao couldn't help but stop, stared at her head, her eyes full of exclamation: "This is too shocking! It feels like I've walked into Miyazaki's animation, how could there be such a dreamy place in reality?"

His voice trembled slightly, with irresistible excitement. Zhang Yuedong quickly picked up the camera and kept changing the angle. The shutter sounded like dense raindrops: "I must take a picture of this beautiful picture, wash it back and hang it on the wall, and I can savor it every day."

Fine sweat beads oozing from his forehead, but he didn't realize it and devoted himself to the shooting. Lin Yifei took a deep breath, and his nose was filled with the aroma of delicious food floating around him. He smacked his lips and said with a smile: "This place looks delicious and fun, we'll have some shopping tonight."

They walked step by step into the interior of Hongya Cave along the steps. The wooden railings and the quaint architectural style made people feel like they were traveling through time and space and returning to the old Bayu.

There are a wide variety of shops on the street, selling various special souvenirs and handicrafts. In one shop, there are exquisite Shu embroidered handkerchiefs, and the delicate needlework embroidered lifelike landscape patterns. Li Xiao picked up a piece, gently stroked it, and said to his companions:

"This handkerchief is so exquisite. I must be very dedicated to bringing it back to the elders." Walking further forward, it was a store selling miniature models of traditional Bayu architecture. Zhang Yuedong's eyes suddenly lit up. He carefully picked up a model of Hongya Cave and looked at it carefully: "This workmanship is too fine. If you buy it and put it on the desk, it is like taking Hongya Cave home."

The three of them shuttled through the crowd, feeling the unique Bayu style, and laughter echoed in every corner of Hongya Cave.

When I was tired of walking, my stomach began to growl. At this time, the smell of hot pot in the air became more and more intense, like an invisible hand, leading them into a bustling hot pot restaurant.

The store was filled with people, and the hot pot was steaming up, mixed with the mellow aroma of chili, pepper and butter, instantly ignited their appetite.

The waiter came up enthusiastically, led them to the seat, and handed over the menu. Li Xiao looked at the densely packed dishes on the menu and rubbed his hands excitedly: "We have to open our food, tripe, duck intestines, tender beef, these are all must-order!"

Zhang Yuedong nodded aside and said, "There is also yellow throat. I heard that the yellow throat in Chongqing hot pot is very crispy, so you must try it." Lin Yifei stared at the special snacks on the menu, his eyes shining: "You also need a portion of crispy meat. The crispy meat that has just been out of the pot is fragrant and crispy, and you will drool when you think about it."

After a while, the hot red soup pot bottom was served on the table, and bright red oil rolled and surged in the pot. The peppers and peppers churned up and down with the bubbles, like a warm "red sea".

The waiter skillfully put the nine-cup grid into the pot and introduced: "The heat in the middle grid is large, used to rinse the fast-cooked ingredients such as tripe and duck intestines. The grid next to it has a little less fire power, so you can cook some resistant dishes." Li Xiao couldn't wait to pick up the chopsticks, pick up a piece of tripe, and put it into the pot. According to the locals' "seven up and eight down" method, the tripe quickly curled up in the pot and covered with red oil.

He put the tripe into his mouth and bit his teeth gently. The crispy and tender taste instantly bloomed in his mouth with the spicy stimulation. He couldn't help but give him a thumbs up: "This tripe is too crisp, spicy and fragrant, so satisfying!"
Chapter completed!