jdhmnovel Chapter 140 Xining's Yearning Life
Chapter 140 Xining's Yearning Life
Li Fugui drove the RV from Ta'er Temple to Xining: there was singing and warmth all the way, and this section of the road was Xiao Taojie's favorite.
Under the clear sunlight of the plateau, the golden roof and red walls of Ta'er Monastery gradually faded into a solemn silhouette outside the car window. Zhang Bei stepped on the accelerator of the pickup truck. Beside him, Xiao Xing, like a cheerful bird, pointed excitedly at the passing prayer flags and mountains. In the back seat, A Bao, the adorable little dog with a unique panda-like fur, stuck out his tongue and peered around curiously. The wind howled through the car window, carrying everyone's anticipation for the journey ahead as they headed straight for Xining.
A pickup truck sped along briskly ahead, while Li Fugui steadied the steering wheel of the RV behind them. Sister Tao hummed a tune beside them, her fingers rhythmically tapping her knees. Zhang Tingjian and Zhang Nan, two friends, huddled together in the RV's cozy booth, watching a travel documentary on their tablet, occasionally exclaiming at the curious animals on screen. The RV felt like a warm, mobile nest, laden with the air of home, as they slowly crept along the winding road, maintaining a tacit distance from the car ahead, neither hurried nor slow.
Halfway through the journey, the vast expanse was suddenly enveloped by leaden clouds, and in a flash, raindrops began to patter. Zhang Bei quickly rolled up the window, glanced at the blurred outline of the RV in the rearview mirror, and slowed down. Raindrops pounded the roof like a dense drumbeat. Abao whimpered restlessly, and Xiaoxing soothed him softly, scratching behind his ears with her small hand. Zhang Bei's eyes were focused, the wipers whirring frantically, trying to find the edge of the road in the rain. The wheels splashed high, and the pickup truck struggled forward like a boat breaking through the waves.
Inside the RV, Li Fugui turned on the lights, filling the cabin with a warm glow. Zhang Tingjian and Zhang Nan paused the film and leaned over the windows to watch the rain, their noses pressing against the glass, leaving white marks. Xiao Taojie got up to make some hot cocoa, the aroma of milk and cocoa lingering in the air. The RV felt like an isolated island in the rain, yet filled with a sense of security and warmth. The car body swayed slightly, as if humming a lullaby against the clamor of the outside world.
The rain gradually subsided, a faint light appeared on the horizon, and the outline of Xining loomed faintly in the twilight. Zhang Bei was the first to park his pickup truck on an open meadow on the outskirts of the city and hopped out to stretch his legs. Abao landed on the ground and ran around the grass with joy, shaking off the rain. Xiaoxing breathed in the moist, fresh air, her hair dancing in the wind, her face filled with intoxication. A moment later, the RV slowly drove in, and the children eagerly rushed out to play with Abao on the grass, their laughter startling a few resting birds.
Everyone gathered around the grass, spreading out a simple meal of bread and cheese, homemade cold cuts, and sweet fruit, feasting on it in the cool evening breeze of Xining's suburbs. The setting sun cast a warm golden glow on every face. The bumpy, windy, and cheerful journey from Ta'er Temple to Xining was captured in our eyes, transforming into twinkling stars. At this moment, the journey paused, and friendships warmed. Future stories of exploring Xining's mysteries quietly began amidst laughter and joy, waiting to be continued with tomorrow's sunrise.
Zhang Tingjian wrote down some stories that happened in Xining: The little god of wealth likes the food exploration trip the most.
Zhang Nan also particularly likes to taste local specialties: just now, everyone came to an old restaurant and tasted Xining’s specialties.
Xiao Xing is very interested in the dog urine pancake. The name sounds novel, and it tastes soft and delicious, with a faint wheat aroma.
Zhang Nan has a special liking for stuffed skin. The slippery skin paired with hot and sour sauce, crispy bean sprouts and gluten makes him savor it.
The hand-pulled lamb is highly praised by everyone. The meat is tender and fresh, without any smell of mutton. It tastes mellow when dipped in special seasoning.
- Night Market Carnival: At night, they came to the bustling Daxin Street Night Market in Xining.
The place was brightly lit and bustling with people. Zhang Tingjian and Zhang Nan wandered from one snack stall to another, sampling delicacies like sweet fermented rice and grilled lamb skewers.
Li Fugui and Xiao Tao were selecting some unique souvenirs, such as Tibetan handicrafts and Qinghai postcards. Zhang Bei and Xiao Xing took A Bao to stroll through the night market, soaking up the lively atmosphere.
Zhang Bei introduced this cultural experience trip to everyone in the live broadcast room.
First - Visiting the Museum: They came to the Qinghai Provincial Museum. Inside the museum, everyone seemed to travel through time and space, and experienced the historical changes and cultural heritage of Qinghai.
From the painted pottery culture of ancient times to modern ethnic customs, every exhibit amazed them.
Xiao Xing was particularly fascinated by the exquisite Tibetan costumes and accessories, while Zhang Tingjian developed a strong interest in Qinghai's historical relics and kept asking questions to the tour guide.
Later, they enjoyed a folk performance at a folk culture village in Xining. The performers, dressed in gorgeous ethnic costumes, performed traditional dances such as the Tibetan Guozhuang Dance and the Tu Anzhao Dance. They also showcased Mongolian horse-head fiddle performances and Hui Huaer singing.
Po also wagged his tail excitedly and danced to the rhythm of the music.
Xiao Taojie’s favorite outdoor adventure is hiking in Beishan: They chose Beishan as their hiking destination.
Along the way, everyone enjoyed the beautiful scenery of the mountains and breathed in the fresh air. The mountains were rich in vegetation, wild flowers were blooming, and birds were singing in the branches.
Walk to the top of the mountain and overlook the entire Xining city. The prosperity of the city and the beauty of nature are all in sight, which is refreshing.
Zhang Nan suggested cycling along the Huangshui River: Cycling along the Huangshui River, where the water is crystal clear and both sides are lined with green trees.
Sometimes they stopped to admire the scenery by the river, and sometimes they sped up to enjoy the fun of riding.
On the way, we also met some local cycling enthusiasts. We exchanged cycling experiences with each other and shared interesting stories from the trip.
Li Fugui also has something to say about the encounter of cultural exchange. - Lao Wu interacted with local people: In a community square in Xining, they got to know some local residents.
These hospitable Xining people invited them to join in square dancing and taught them local dances.
Everyone held hands and danced freely, and laughter and singing echoed over the square.
Through communication with local people, they gained a deeper understanding of Xining's customs and lifestyle.
Along the way - meeting fellow travelers: In a youth hostel in Xining, they met fellow travelers from all over the country.
Everyone sat together and shared their travel experiences and stories. Some travelers recounted their hiking adventures in Tibet, while others shared their foodie experiences in Xinjiang.
By communicating with these travelers, they broadened their horizons and gained more travel advice and inspiration.
Sister Xiaotao met an old man from Shanghai who was riding a bicycle. Seeing how tired he looked, she was full of admiration for him. Several of them had a lively meal together and the atmosphere of the dinner was particularly good.