As summer sets in across China, this week, temperatures in Xi'an surpassed 100 degrees. But instead of seeking respite in air-conditioned malls, Xi'an residents found an unusual way to cool off.

It's a balmy summer day. A popsicle. A chilled drink. Ice cream. A cold beer. Just what you need to cool off. But maybe not if you're in China – that's because Traditional Chinese Medicine – or TCM - says that's not the way to go. The theory is that too many cold food and drinks can cause stomach problems. Now that could come as a shock to someone from the U.S. where the general understanding is: when it' s hot, a cool beverage helps keep you hydrated, brings your body temperature down quickly - and is even absorbed more quickly than a warm one.

Soaring temperatures across China recently have led to soaring electricity consumption, as people attempt to escape sauna like conditions with the comfort of electric fans and air conditioners. But this has put great strain on the country’s ability to provide energy for its 1.3 billion citizens. As a result, authorities are trying to appeal to their more environmentally friendly nature in a bid to get them to stay cool, while staying green. Andrew Livingstone reports.

While zoos can be lots of fun and provide great learning opportunities, some people argue that wild animals shouldn't be kept in cages. So whose fault is it if an animal attacks a human? Susan Tart has the story of how one student's trip to the zoo went terribly wrong.

Red Capital defines China retro-chic through hip hotels, cool clubs and alternative media. Red Capital's distinguished style in restoration of historic buildings, unique entertainment concepts, and experimental media productions, brings Chinese lifestyle to a new level. Red Capital Club dishes up “Zhongnanhai Cuisine” which is the name of the secretive compound of China's top leadership. Each meal is a state banquet in style adorned with figures delicately carved from vegetables, presenting favorites of Mao, Deng, and even Zhu Rongji together with some of the best in imperial dining reserved for emperors and empresses.

In this episode we learn about the medicinal properties of cucumber, according to Traditional Chinese Medicine, and how this food can help cool the body.