With cool breezes and the mercury perched at a refreshing 22 degrees Celsius, southwest China's Yunnan Province is emerging as a summer escape amid the Northern Hemisphere's blistering heat wave. But for a growing number of global travelers, Yunnan is about more than taking cover from the heat, it's about uncovering a destination through the color and texture of its dishes.

Now on their sixth trip to China, Marie and her family joined a cooking class in Lijiang, exploring Yunnan's unique ingredients and flavors, and cutting their own chops in the kitchen.

For them, trying their hand at authentic recipes is a window into local culture and daily life. And their story reflects a new trend: more than half of overseas visitors now stay four days or longer. With a crisp climate and rich culture, "China Cool" is catching on.