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City-Hopping Tour of China, from the Great Wall to Shanghai

Beijing's Forbidden City was completed in 1420 after about 15 years of construction carried out by more than a million workers. China's emperors ruled from this palatial fortress, which was closed to the outside world for more than 500 years. You can step behind the palace walls during this nine-day China tour from Intertrips.com, which includes round-trip flights on Air China as well as four-star hotel accommodations, transportation to all tour points, and some meals.

Click here to see a full day-by-day itinerary.

Days 1–4: Beijing

After arriving in Beijing, you’ll meet an English-speaking tour guide and head to the Four Points by Sheraton Beijing, Haidian for some rest. The second day of the trip is set aside for self-guided exploration of the city, and day three covers some of the most popular sights during a full-day tour with stops at Tiananmen Square, the Forbidden City, and the Summer Palace, which was built along Kunming Lake in the 18th century. Its imperial grounds are filled with Qing-style pavilions, grand temples, and elaborate gardens.

Your last day in Beijing includes a hike along the Great Wall at Juyongguan Pass, a mountain pass that once played a vital role in China's military defenses. After exploring the wall, the group will head to the Beijing Zoo, home to thousands of exotic animals, including several giant pandas. The evening winds down with a traditional peking-duck dinner and a live kung fu show.

Days 5–9: Shanghai

An early-morning flight on day five takes you to Shanghai, a glittering megametropolis and a testament to China’s staggering growth. Visitors can enjoy city's nonstop bustle on Shanghai Old Street, which blends attractions, entertainment, and cultural exhibits.

While in the area, you’ll visit the 2,500-year-old city of Suzhou, nicknamed the "Venice of the East” for its labyrinthine canals lined with stone-sculpture gardens. Stop at Suzhou's Lingering Garden, where centuries-old pagodas stand amid tranquil pools bordered by limestone outcroppings. A detour to the city of Hangzhou includes a boat trip on West Lake, a serene waterscape dotted with islands and weeping willows.

After stopping at a traditional teahouse, the group returns to Shanghai for a visit to the famous Bund district. Set along the Huangpu River, the area features futuristic skyscrapers alongside classic examples of baroque and Gothic architecture. The next day, you're free to explore Shanghai at your leisure. Consider paying a visit to the Old Town Bazaar to stock up on souvenirs at the thousands of booths selling everything from pan-fried dumplings to bamboo handicrafts and traditional Chinese garb.

Read the Fine Print for important info on travel dates and other restrictions.