Li Xiao and Huang Pengfei shouldered their bags and embarked on a new leg of their journey through the Xia Kingdom. Their next stop was the renowned Phoenix Ancient City.
As their train slowly pulled into the station, Li Xiao peered through the window and caught sight of the mysterious ancient city. He excitedly patted Huang Pengfei’s shoulder. "Hey, Old Huang, we’re here! Phoenix Ancient City! I’ve heard this place is beautiful, like an ink wash painting." Huang Pengfei stretched and yawned. "I hope it doesn’t disappoint. I’m really looking forward to relaxing."
The two left the station and were promptly picked up by their enthusiastic innkeeper. Along the way, Li Xiao’s eyes never rested, constantly taking in the scenery outside the window. The ancient streets, the flagstone paths, the wooden stilt houses—everything exuded a rustic charm.
Soon, they arrived at the inn they had booked. It was situated right on the banks of the Tuojiang River; opening the window revealed the clear water flowing gently by. After dropping off their luggage, Li Xiao eagerly dragged Huang Pengfei out to explore the Ancient City.
Walking along the ancient streets felt like stepping back in time. The shops on both sides were dazzling, filled with all sorts of unique souvenirs. Li Xiao curiously entered one shop and picked up a hand-embroidered sachet. "Old Huang, look how exquisite this sachet is!" he said to Huang Pengfei. Huang Pengfei leaned in for a closer look and nodded. "Yeah, it’s nice, but let’s browse a bit more first and buy things later."
They continued on until they reached an old stone bridge. Standing on it, they looked down at the Tuojiang River. The water shimmered, reflecting the stilt houses on both banks in a breathtakingly beautiful scene. Li Xiao sighed with emotion. "This view is just gorgeous. It’s absolutely intoxicating." Huang Pengfei smiled. "It really is. Phoenix Ancient City definitely lives up to its reputation."
After they had finished wandering the streets of the Ancient City, they went to the bank of the Tuojiang River, ready for a boat tour. Their boatman was a kind, rustic-looking man who skillfully rowed while telling them about the history and legends of the Ancient City. Li Xiao listened with great interest, asking questions from time to time, while Huang Pengfei quietly admired the scenery on both banks, savoring the tranquility.
The small boat glided slowly across the river, offering them many beautiful sights. Women washed clothes by the riverbank, children played and frolicked, and artists sat sketching the scenery. Li Xiao couldn’t help but sigh. "Life here seems so carefree!" Huang Pengfei added, "Yeah. None of the city’s noise and bustle, just this peace and beauty."
After their tour of the Tuojiang River, they found themselves getting hungry. They set out in search of local delicacies. Phoenix Ancient City had no shortage of them, with famous dishes like Blood Cake Duck and Miao Family Sour Fish Soup. They found a local restaurant and ordered a few specialties. The moment the food arrived, Li Xiao eagerly tried a bite of the Blood Cake Duck. His eyes lit up. "Wow, this Blood Cake Duck is amazing! The meat is tender and the blood cake is soft and chewy. It’s delicious!" Huang Pengfei tried the Miao Family Sour Fish Soup and was full of praise. "This sour and spicy soup is fantastic. It really whets your appetite."
After eating their fill, they headed to the main square of the Ancient City, where a folk performance was underway. The show was rich and varied, featuring songs and dances from the Miao Clan and the Baishou dance of the Tu Clan. Drawn in by the lively atmosphere, Li Xiao and Huang Pengfei stood in the crowd, enjoying the spectacular performance. Li Xiao turned to Huang Pengfei excitedly. "This folk performance is incredible! You can really feel the charm of the Xia Kingdom’s traditional culture." Huang Pengfei nodded in agreement.
When the performance ended, they went to explore the night market. It was bustling with stalls selling all kinds of snacks and handicrafts. They sampled some of the food while picking out souvenirs. Li Xiao bought some Miao Clan silver jewelry and hand-embroidered goods to bring back as gifts for his friends and family, while Huang Pengfei purchased some local specialty teas.
The next day, they visited some of Phoenix Ancient City’s famous attractions, such as the former residences of Shen Congwen and Xiong Xiling. In Shen Congwen’s former home, they learned about the life and creative journey of the great literary master. Li Xiao remarked with feeling, "Shen Congwen’s works are so captivating. He described Phoenix Ancient City so beautifully." Huang Pengfei added, "Indeed. Coming here, we’ve had the chance to experience the world from his writings firsthand."
After two days in Phoenix Ancient City, Li Xiao and Huang Pengfei, filled with wonderful memories and new experiences, set off for their next destination. They looked forward to whatever surprises and discoveries awaited them there.
After leaving Phoenix Ancient City, Li Xiao and Huang Pengfei traveled south, eventually arriving in Guilin, a city renowned for having "the finest scenery under heaven."
The moment they stepped off the train, Li Xiao took a deep breath and said excitedly to Huang Pengfei, "Old Huang, everyone says Guilin has the finest scenery under heaven, and now we get to see it for ourselves." Huang Pengfei gazed at the distant, faintly visible mountain peaks and nodded. "Yeah. You can already tell this place is special just by looking around."
The pair found a hotel near the Li River to stay in. After a short rest, they eagerly headed out to admire Guilin’s beautiful scenery. They strolled along the streets, soaking in the city’s unique atmosphere, and before long, they arrived at the banks of the Li River.
The water of the Li River was so clear you could see straight to the bottom, its color a deep, jade green. The distant mountain peaks took on all sorts of shapes—some looked like camels, others like elephants, old men, or celestial maidens. Li Xiao’s eyes widened in awe. "This scenery is just incredible. It’s like a natural scroll painting." Huang Pengfei was also stunned by the vista. "No wonder the ancients wrote, ’The river’s green makes the birds seem whiter still; the mountains so lush the flowers threaten to burn.’ The water and mountains of the Li River truly complement each other perfectly."