TOURISTS flock to Yunnan in south-western China for a variety of reasons. Most rave about its spectacular scenery, some love it for its pleasant weather, while others relish its history, tradition and culture.

Grand View Pavilion

For most travellers to Yunnan, their first stop is the capital city Kunming, where they visit the famous Grand View Pavilion.

If you do not know what the draw of this seemingly nondescript pavilion is, check the doorposts, which everyone makes a beeline for. Inscribed on it is a Yunnan, which literally translates to mean 'south of the clouds', delights travellers with its picturesque natural and historical sites 180-word antithetical couplet in the original handwriting of Qing dynasty poet Sun Ranweng.

Like most Singaporeans, I cannot fully comprehend what is written in the couplets, but I can certainly appreciate the atmosphere - the serene lake (the sixth-largest inland lake in China), the view from within the pavilion, the cool breeze and gentle sunshine.

Alugu Caves

Besides the pavilion, another must-visit in Kunming is the Alugu Caves, which archaeologists and historians believe housed the Yi people, who are one of the many minority races that have called Yunnan home for centuries.

While the tourist will not find Yi people in the caves today, be prepared, however, to be awed by the stalactites, stalagmites, stone pillars and stone screens in the caves.

In the prehistoric era, the Alugu Caves were part of the ocean floor before seismic movements pushed the rocks to their present position. The rock formations make it a struggle for even the most eloquent poet to find the right words to describe them.

Take a step back in time in the ancient towns of Lijiang (above) and Dali.

Dali

Away from the wonder of nature, we moved on to Dali, famed for being the filming site of the Chinese drama serial, Tianlongbabu (Chronicles of the Heavenly Dragon).

This serial is based on one of the most famous martial arts novels of the same name written by the undisputed master of this genre - Jin Yong.

Why is this site so special? It has to be because the protagonist of Tianlongbabu, Duan Yu, is a Prince of Dali.

Along the way, look out for the Three Pagodas of the Chongsheng Temple, which was built in the Tang Dynasty more than a millennium ago, when China was at its peak of power, prestige and glory.

Lijiang Ancient Town

A world away from the splendours of the Tang Dynasty is Lijiang Ancient Town, another key stop of this trip.

Situated within Lijiang - whose natural mountain scenery has earned it the moniker of "the Switzerland of the East" - this is a fitting final stop before any city-dweller heads back to the daily grind.

Thanks to its simple rustic life,the town is also known as the 'last land of purity in the world'.

You will discover that Lijiang Ancient Town, anchored by the ethnic Naxi minority group, is a rich melting pot of culture and heritage.

It is also here that you will discover elements of Han, Tibetan and Bai cultures.

This is the eighth feature of a year-long series sponsored by ASA Holidays in 2007.

Colours of Yunnan

ASA Holidays is offering an eight-day Colours of Yunnan deluxe tour, which will take you to Kunming, Dali and Lijiang.

For $698 per person, you fly on SilkAir and stay at four- and five-star hotels.

The first 30 OCBC Titanium cardmembers get to buy the package at one-for-one price, that is, $698 for two persons. For details, call ASA Holidays on 6303-5333.