China becomes more popular

Holidays in China are becoming more popular as people are attracted by the country's exotic reputation and favourable exchange rate, a currency specialist has noted.

Earlier this year, the Association of British Travel Agents (ABTA) reported that China was set to become a holiday hotspot in 2007.

Now, M&S Money has reported that it has already sold ten per cent more Chinese currency this year than it did in the whole of 2006.

The strong pound and the low cost of living in China mean that British holidaymakers find their money goes further - a meal in a local noodle bar can cost as little as 20p, while some of the most expensive meals in the country can be had for less than £10 a head.

"With the trend for long-haul holidays growing at a rate of nine per cent, the choices for holidaymakers seem endless," commented James Yerkess, M&S Travel Money manager.

"Since the launch of package holidays to China this year we've doubled our sales of Chinese Yuan at our M&S Manchester and London bureaux de change."

The Lonely Planet describes China as "a different world", before adding: "Unless you have a couple of years and unlimited patience, it's best to follow a loose itinerary here, such as following the Silk Road, sailing down the Yangzi River, or exploring the Dr Seuss landscape of Guangxi Province."

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