He admitted that it was a bit challenging to learn how to chop ingredients and blend seasonings, but the teacher was patient and demonstrated each step carefully.

　　Niels Jongsma, 27, a bank worker from the Netherlands, said, "I"ve never cooked fish before, and I struggled with the heat — I didn"t know when it was fully done, but I finally made it."

　　He added that he plans to share his experience and the recipes on social media and cook the dishes for family and friends after returning home.

　　As international tourists crave more in-depth cultural experiences, Yangshuo has offered plenty of hands-on cooking workshops. They can be booked through platforms including online travel agency Trip.com, and some local homestays also offer courses.

　　Liang Qiongfeng, from Cloud 9 Cooking School in Yangshuo, started teaching such courses when she opened a restaurant in 2004. She said that beyond her cooking classes, overseas visitors are fascinated by local tea traditions and genuinely experiencing daily life in Yangshuo.

　　The course costs 280 yuan ($41.30) per person. She said most guests are from Europe and the United States, and the number has been growing steadily since last year. Monthly enrollment varies, with about 400 people joining the classes in June.

　　Shi Ruipeng in Nanning contributed to this story.

　　Contact the writers at xulin@chinadaily.com.cn

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