The key to having the best and safest possible holiday in China is to plan ahead carefully. Make sure you decide where you're going ahead of time and know how long you will be in the country so you can purchase travel insurance accordingly. It can take six months to see everything in a country of this size, so you'll want to see a few of the highlights if you have limited time.



A good way to make your selection is to open up a guide book like Lonely Planet or Let's Go and see which off-the-beaten-path locations sounds most suitable for you.

The cities in China are extremely polluted from coal burning. In fact, the top 10 most polluted cities on earth are in this country. For this reason, many agree that the best experiences are to be had in the countryside, in little villages such as Guilin, Yangshuo and Longshen. These backpacker haunts are ideal places to take a break from more arduous journeying.

Embraced by picturesque karst rock formations, Guilin is a village known for its pretty landscape and lush greenery. Spelunkers will bask in the many caves awaiting exploration while the cool waters beckon rafters. The scenery of Guilin alone makes it worth visiting. The 2,000-year-old city also has many cultural and historical sites.

The most unusual aspect of Guilin is its significant ethnic minority population. You can also see the Dong, Zhuang, Yao and Miao peoples in nearby Longshen, another backpacker haven.

Ever-popular Yangshuo should be on your travel trail. Also circled by majestic karsts, it is set along the Lijiang (Li) River. The village has a relaxed feel and is the perfect place for lazy days. Rates for accommodation range greatly, and it's wise to shop around for a room. Outside of the city, rooms can be as much as 80 per cent cheaper.

Rock climbers know Yangshuo well, as there are more than 200 climbing routes here, and an assortment of climbing shops offer gear hire and lessons. Cave exploration, trekking and biking are also great activities that you can take part in here. West and Xian Qian streets are lined with hostels, hotels, tour shops, restaurants and anything else you might need.

The Bank of China, big hotels and some department stores are authorised to exchange money in China, and you should avoid using black market dealers. Not only is the black market illegal, but changing money with these dealers will increase the likelihood of you getting counterfeit bills.

The roads can be dangerous in China, and even the food might kill you if you're not careful. Make sure you eat only hot, well-cooked food and drink bottled water. Before heading to China, you should update all vaccinations. Although violent crime is minimal, it's best to be aware of your surroundings and keep an eye on your possessions. Always take out travel insurance before heading on a backpacking adventure.