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Home » 5 Cool and Unique Things to Do in Wellington, New Zealand
Large ferry boat with small tugs boats in the waterfront area of Wellington New Zealand

5 Cool and Unique Things to Do in Wellington, New Zealand

Last Updated: September 19, 2024

Table of Contents

Toggle
  7 Minutes Read
    • Wellington Things to Do | YouTube Short
  • 1. Learn about New Zealand at Museum Te Papa
  • 2. Ride the Wellington Cable Car
  • 3. Watch a Stunning Sunset at Mount Victoria
  • 4. Go on Amazing Outdoor Adventures
  • 5. Dive Head First into Wellington’s Culinary World
    • Here’s an idea!
    • Hike some Trails! (wink, wink)
    • Incredible Craft Beer Selection – YouTube Short
  • Best Time to Visit Wellington, New Zealand
  • Posts from New Zealand:
    • The 5 Best Bucket List Destinations for Retirement Travel
    • Amazing Things to Do in Auckland, New Zealand (includes map)
    • Top 10 Incredible New Zealand South Island Boutique Hotels (includes map)
    • 10 Amazing New Zealand North Island Boutique Hotels (includes map)
    • The Top 10 New Zealand South Island Wellness Resorts
    • The 9 Best Attractions in Rotorua, New Zealand

The capital of New Zealand, Wellington, was our retirement travel destination on the south end of the North Island after traveling from Auckland on the Northern Explorer train. Considered one of the world’s finest harbors, Wellington is hugged by the Cook Strait from one side and the green hills of Mount Victoria from the other. We don’t often hear about Wellington being the ‘place to visit’ as stories of epic adventures from other parts of New Zealand overshadow its shine. But you’ll be surprised.

Bev is the “I” in Wellington

It’s been dubbed one of the ‘hottest cities’ by BBC, the ‘coolest little capital in the world’ by Lonely Planet, fondly nicknamed the ‘windy Wellington’ by locals, and self-proclaimed as the culinary capital of New Zealand. That’s a lot of hype to live up to for such a little city.

As you wander around, your eyes are pulled in all sorts of directions by the unique street art. Wellington begs to be photographed, teasing with the overwhelming amount of picture-perfect scenery drenched in colors. There are over 100 outdoor art pieces sprinkled throughout the city. Stumble on colorful graffiti hidden in laneways and admire sculptures along the beautiful waterfront. 

We were skeptical at first, but Wellington does indeed pack an impactful punch of culture, history, nature, and cuisine in its compact space. We couldn’t get enough of its palpable creative energy. It earned our tick of approval as the must-visit destination on your trip through New Zealand. And to show you why the city deserves such an impressive array of titles, here are 5 unique things you can do in Wellington.

Wellington Things to Do | YouTube Short

YouTube player

1. Learn about New Zealand at Museum Te Papa

Museum Te Papa

Wellington is best explored on foot. Its compact size makes it incredibly easy to tick off all the important sights in a few days. It’s the culinary world you really need to make time for, but more on that later.  We want to talk about Museum Te Papa!

You will find even more art, history, and unusual displays, like the world’s only giant squid, at the interactive and innovative national Museum Te Papa. And even though it is one of New Zealand’s best museums, the entrance is free for all! It’s a great way to spend an afternoon right in the heart of the city. Museum Te Papa was the highlight of the New Zealand capital city for us.

2. Ride the Wellington Cable Car

Wellington Cable Car

Aside from offering a darn pleasing pop of red against the shades of green and blue, the Wellington cable car ride is a whole lot of fun. It starts in the Lambton Quay shopping district and whisks you up to the lookout with panoramic city views. The ride is barely 5 minutes long, but what an enjoyable experience it is! And a chance to take postcard-worthy photos of Wellington.

At the top, you’ll also find lush Botanic Gardens, that are also free to enter. Wander around relaxing trails snaking the hilltop, take in the beautiful scenery, and admire the quirky sculptures along the way that make the walk even more enjoyable. We chose to walk back down the hill through the gardens to town, but you can also ride the Cable Car back down.

Wellington Botanic Gardens

3. Watch a Stunning Sunset at Mount Victoria

View of Wellington

Hike up through pine forests to Mount Victoria at sunset for 360-degree views over the city. Fans of Lord of the Rings will be pleased to learn about a little detour on the way to a spot called Hobbit’s hideaway, where a movie scene was filmed. And if you don’t feel like hiking up, you can take a car or a bus. Either way, the views are worth the effort in the New Zealand capital city.

4. Go on Amazing Outdoor Adventures

Paekakariki Escarpment Track

One of Wellington’s major advantages is its proximity to nature, and in New Zealand that can only mean one thing – outdoor thrills. Here are three activities you can do, mentioned in order from relaxing to the most adrenaline-fueled.

The Southern Walkway trail is about 6.6 miles and will take you on a scenic walk from the city center to the rugged south coast through Wellington’s best parks and neighborhoods. It’s the perfect morning activity, the place to enjoy a picnic and snap gorgeous photos along the way.

The Remutaka Cycle Trail is one of the best cycling trails in New Zealand, connecting Wellington to Wairarapa. While the entire trail is 71.5 miles, you can do shorter bits according to how much time you have to spare. You could even turn it into a multi-day trip. The trail takes you through railway tunnels, scenic coastlines, and historic sites, starting in Petone, which is only a 15-minute drive from the city center.

And finally, the most exhilarating adventure is located only 40 minutes from Wellington – the Paekakariki Escarpment Track. It’s a chest-gripping trail that involves climbing stairs along ridges and a suspended bridge. The reward? Stunning views of the coast, of course! The 6.2-mile hike can be started either in Paekakariki, heading to Pukerua Bay or reserve and catching the train back to Wellington.

5. Dive Head First into Wellington’s Culinary World

With a title like that, Wellington really sets a traveler’s expectations high. So, what do you think, did the food live up to the hype?

Take. All. Of. Our. Money. Wellington!

Leed’s Bakery

You will just have to come and try for yourselves because no amount of mouthwatering descriptions and photos will suffice. There is something to appease every single craving. There is a charming café culture with superb coffee and award-winning restaurants and bars plating up food with beautiful presentations.

Obviously, our short stay was not enough to sample even a decent enough portion of Wellington meals, so please plan accordingly and make up for what we missed. We are afraid you would need quite a bit of time though – apparently, Wellington has more bars and restaurants per capita than New York City!

Here’s an idea!

Cuba Street in Wellington

But if you’ve only got a few days like us, the choice is hard when the standard is set too high. Here is what you do:

  1. Get stretchy pants
  2. Join a food tour on day one
  3. Eat all your meals out
  4. Go straight to the good stuff and call it a day

And by good stuff, we mean Hannah’s Factory & Laneway – a former shoe factory turned goldmine of artisanal eateries. It claims to be the world’s tastiest laneway, which we wholeheartedly agree with. It is home to some of Wellington’s best eats like Leeds St. Bakery for the best baked goods, Wellington Chocolate Factory for…well, you know, and Golding’s Free Dive for the best brews. 

Wellington Chocolate Factory

Hike some Trails! (wink, wink)

There is a themed trail for everything! Aside from hiking trails, you can also embark on a wine or craft beer trail. Screenshot a craft beer map and make your way down the list, sampling some of Wellington’s best brew varieties. 

Incredible Craft Beer Selection – YouTube Short

YouTube player

As for the wine trail, Wellington is the best starting point to explore. There is over 80% of New Zealand’s wine production right at your door. You get to sip your way through the iconic Martinborough, Marlborough, Wairarapa, and Hawke’s Bay regions. But to do the trail justice, you need around four to six days. Unfortunately, we couldn’t allow that much time for a detour, so we sipped our way through the exquisite collection at Noble Rot Wine Bar instead, arguably the best wine bar in Wellington. 

Your only problem will be trying to decide which dining experience was the best and perhaps that you didn’t eat more. 

Apache Restaurant

Not only is Wellington an iconic stop you have to make on your New Zealand adventure, but it is also the place to board the inter-island ferry to the South Island, which is where we are heading. The three-and-a-half-hour ferry ride is considered one of the most spectacular ferry crossings in the world! Why? The ferry takes you through the Cook Strait and past mesmerizing scenery of the Marlborough Sounds. It then drops you in the most magical town of Picton and on our way to Christchurch. But we are getting ahead of ourselves. As your final takeaway in preparation for your Wellington experience, give it the time it deserves.

Best Time to Visit Wellington, New Zealand

We have linked a great website to this button showing the weather for this location by the month. Click below to be taken to Weather-and-Climate.com.

Click here!

Posts from New Zealand:

Photos of 5 Bucket List Destinations showing beaches and mountains

The 5 Best Bucket List Destinations for Retirement Travel

skyline of a city with harbour in the foreground

Amazing Things to Do in Auckland, New Zealand (includes map)

mountain range in new zealand

Top 10 Incredible New Zealand South Island Boutique Hotels (includes map)

mountains and shoreline in New Zealand

10 Amazing New Zealand North Island Boutique Hotels (includes map)

View of pink and purple flowers blooming along a rugged beach coastline in South Island (New Zealand).

The Top 10 New Zealand South Island Wellness Resorts

The 9 Best Attractions in Rotorua, New Zealand

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Mickey Hernandez

    March 4, 2023 at 12:32 PM

    John & Bev,
    I love your new travel format…much more informative reading with short video clips mixed in, excellent!
    The timing of your Wellington post was perfect. I spent much of yesterday researching the north island in advance of our 2024 trip (north island, then over to SDY for a two week cruise around Australia….our second trip to both countries, but only did the South Island of NZ). We will arrive in AKL and drive south to WLG with stops in Rotorua and Napier along the way. I was only planning one full day in WLG until I read your post. I think I’ll up it to 3-4 now.
    Did you write a post about AKL? We arrive there from the US and I’m not sure how many days I want to spend there before starting our drive south.
    Finally, Cindy and I just arrived back from our 3 week trip to the Middle East. Excellent journey…interesting history, culture (past and present), friendly people at every turn and good food (although we did come home craving bacon…no pork products for three weeks, ha). Let me know if you’d like to read more about our experience.
    All the Best,
    Mickey.

    Reply
    • rtravelers

      March 4, 2023 at 11:36 PM

      Thanks so much. Glad you like the new format. The video shorts are a great way to not only capture our memories, but share more places for our readers. Thanks for following along. John and Bev

      Reply

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We’re John & Bev a married, American couple who decided to sell our home and give away our stuff so we could explore the world. Having traveled to over 100 countries, we create travel guides to help show you the way. We hope our tips, maps, details, stories, and recommendations help you travel with confidence and plan a grand adventure of your own. Reach out if you have a question, we’re happy to share our thoughts. Happy Journeys!

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📍 104 Countries - Cruising the Panama Canal 🗺 Traveling the world full-time 🎥 Community of 138K+ on YouTube ⬇️ Watch and read latest content ⬇️
  • We rolled into Gyeongju on a zippy high-speed train and realized that this place is like walking through a history book that forgot it was supposed to be boring. They call it Korea’s “museum without walls,” and we couldn’t agree more. Our favorite stop? The stunning Woljeonggyo Bridge — painted dragons above, river below, and us smack in the middle of this fabulous city wondering how we could rearrange our schedule for a longer stay. Our hearts were hitching a ride back to the 7th century, but unfortunately, the next train was scheduled to take us to the next amazing Korean city. We’ll be back, no doubt! We love it so!
#korea #gyeongju #retirementtravelers
  • One thing we learned in Seoul today is that by wearing our Retirement Travelers shirts and vlogging our adventures, we were no longer ordinary tourists. We were viral-worthy legends in the eyes of middle-school boys. At Gyeongbokgung Palace, we were admiring the royal rooftops when this fun group of kids spotted us and swarmed. Phones clicked, peace signs flew, and we soaked up our five minutes of fame. And to think—our kids back home just call us “cute old people” but clearly, in South Korea, we are one step away from debuting as the next K-pop duo. 🤣 #seoulkorea #seoul🇰🇷 #kpop #korea NEVER STOP ACTING LIKE A KID!!!
  • Hands down, our favorite thing at the Osaka World Expo 2025 was the Grand Ring—a jaw-dropping, 2-kilometer wooden skywalk that loops above the pavilions like a giant hula hoop. Not only does it hold the Guinness World Record for the largest wooden architectural structure, but it also came with one magical feature most of the pavilions lacked: no reservations required!!! We strolled around the wooden marvel like VIPs with zero lines and awesome views. #osaka #worldexpo #japan
  • We took one last wander through Kyoto’s bamboo forest today—along with what felt like the entire population of Earth. Still, the towering stalks and swaying hush made it feel like nature was trying its best to whisper over the crowd. As we get ready to leave Kyoto behind, we’re carrying some unforgettable moments with us and we look forward to adding some more along the way. #kyoto #japanlife  #bambooforest
  • We’ve officially arrived in Kyoto, and guess who’s already winning at this whole cultural immersion thing. Our 7-year-old granddaughter. Jet lag? She laughed in its face. Chopsticks? She’s in training. Bowing politely? Basically, a local diplomat. And the outfit? A pink kimono and a matching fan that we bought her—she’s got more style than the rest of us combined. Meanwhile, we’re over here trying to decode the Japanese metro system like it’s an escape room… after a month of being spoiled by China’s luxury rail life. She’s thriving, we’re surviving—and honestly, we wouldn’t have it any other way! It is also good reminder to us to still see the world through the curiosity and innocence of a child. Evie, Thanks for joining us in Japan!!! #kyotojapan #kyoto #japan
  • In the heart of Shanghai’s futuristic skyline, we found ourselves living a dream—our lodging nestled high within the iconic Jin Mao Tower(Bldg on left). Each morning, we woke to a commanding view of the World Financial Center slicing through the sky, and just steps away stood the architectural marvel that is the Shanghai Tower—the third tallest building in the world. Our adventure reached thrilling new heights as we ascended to its summit, where the city sprawled beneath us like a living tapestry. It was more than just a stay; it was a front-row seat to one of the most awe-inspiring skylines on Earth. #shanghai #chinatrip #jinmaotower #shanghaitower #china
  • A visit to Beijing isn’t complete without a long walk on the Great Wall (Badaling section), which is now only a 30-minute train ride from Beijing North Railway Station. It is simply spectacular and a must visit. #greatwall #greatwallofchina #china
  • Bev stood in awe before the Army of Terracotta Warriors near Xi'an. Hidden for 2200 years, these ancient relics were only unearthed by a Chinese farmer in 1974. China's First Emperor Qin Shi Huang sought to defy mortality. He poured vast resources into constructing an underground empire, complete with palaces, armies, chariots, and stables. Spanning 21 square miles, this UNESCO World Heritage Site is the largest burial ground on earth. #xian #xianchina #terracottawarriors #china #retirementtravel
  • The reason we stopped in Chengdu was pretty black and white………and very, very cute. 🐼
The Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding is an incredible facility that houses over 200 Giant Pandas and Red Pandas. This photo is the most famous resident here. She is a cutie and a social media star in China, named HuaHua. 
#pandas #huahua #chengdu #chinatravel
  • We are in Chongqing. This municipality in southwestern China is considered one of the largest cities in the world with over 30 million people. It is massive! It is nicknamed “The Mountain City” because of the many urban hills with unique transportation systems that adapt to the terrain. This is a vibrant place with lots of high-end shopping, a monorail that passes through a building, towering skyscrapers, and so many wonderful “Hot Pot” restaurants. #china #chongqing #lizibastation
  • Just zipping around China by train,
We think it’s much better than a plane.
A rail network so vast,
And speeds that are fast,
There is nary a thing to complain.

Several of you have asked how we are getting around in China? Well, the Chinese high-speed train system has quite simply BLOWN US AWAY!!! It is modern, affordable, fast, clean, efficient, convenient and has great service. There is a rapidly expanding network of 25,000 miles of high-speed rail lines, with numerous daily routes going about anywhere you would want to go. We have tried the 1st and 2nd class tickets, both of which are perfectly fine, but admit we love the over-the-top luxury of business class for affordable prices. We will be detailing more info about Chinese train travel in future videos, so stay tuned. John and Bev
#china #trains #traintravel
  • Tianmen Mountain was our third incredible attraction near Zhangjiajie, China. The mountain can be accessed from the city by two different exhilarating aerial trams or a dangerous highway featuring 99 hairpin turns. Tianmen literally means “Heaven’s Gate” and the 999 stairs leading up to the opening are known as the Stairway to Heaven. Climbing this stairway was another bucket list experience for us, so we took our time on the steep steps and just savored every moment. After passing through the gate, a long series of escalators take you up through the inside of the mountain to the top, where they have a glass-bottomed walkway hugging a cliffside and many great views of the area.
#china #tianmen #tianmenmountain
View on Instagram
We rolled into Gyeongju on a zippy high-speed train and realized that this place is like walking through a history book that forgot it was supposed to be boring. They call it Korea’s “museum without walls,” and we couldn’t agree more. Our favorite stop? The stunning Woljeonggyo Bridge — painted dragons above, river below, and us smack in the middle of this fabulous city wondering how we could rearrange our schedule for a longer stay. Our hearts were hitching a ride back to the 7th century, but unfortunately, the next train was scheduled to take us to the next amazing Korean city. We’ll be back, no doubt! We love it so!
#korea #gyeongju #retirementtravelers
@retirementtravelers
@retirementtravelers
•
Follow
We rolled into Gyeongju on a zippy high-speed train and realized that this place is like walking through a history book that forgot it was supposed to be boring. They call it Korea’s “museum without walls,” and we couldn’t agree more. Our favorite stop? The stunning Woljeonggyo Bridge — painted dragons above, river below, and us smack in the middle of this fabulous city wondering how we could rearrange our schedule for a longer stay. Our hearts were hitching a ride back to the 7th century, but unfortunately, the next train was scheduled to take us to the next amazing Korean city. We’ll be back, no doubt! We love it so! #korea #gyeongju #retirementtravelers
2 weeks ago
View on Instagram |
1/12
One thing we learned in Seoul today is that by wearing our Retirement Travelers shirts and vlogging our adventures, we were no longer ordinary tourists. We were viral-worthy legends in the eyes of middle-school boys. At Gyeongbokgung Palace, we were admiring the royal rooftops when this fun group of kids spotted us and swarmed. Phones clicked, peace signs flew, and we soaked up our five minutes of fame. And to think—our kids back home just call us “cute old people” but clearly, in South Korea, we are one step away from debuting as the next K-pop duo. 🤣 #seoulkorea #seoul🇰🇷 #kpop #korea NEVER STOP ACTING LIKE A KID!!!
@retirementtravelers
@retirementtravelers
•
Follow
One thing we learned in Seoul today is that by wearing our Retirement Travelers shirts and vlogging our adventures, we were no longer ordinary tourists. We were viral-worthy legends in the eyes of middle-school boys. At Gyeongbokgung Palace, we were admiring the royal rooftops when this fun group of kids spotted us and swarmed. Phones clicked, peace signs flew, and we soaked up our five minutes of fame. And to think—our kids back home just call us “cute old people” but clearly, in South Korea, we are one step away from debuting as the next K-pop duo. 🤣 #seoulkorea #seoul🇰🇷 #kpop #korea NEVER STOP ACTING LIKE A KID!!!
3 weeks ago
View on Instagram |
2/12
Hands down, our favorite thing at the Osaka World Expo 2025 was the Grand Ring—a jaw-dropping, 2-kilometer wooden skywalk that loops above the pavilions like a giant hula hoop. Not only does it hold the Guinness World Record for the largest wooden architectural structure, but it also came with one magical feature most of the pavilions lacked: no reservations required!!! We strolled around the wooden marvel like VIPs with zero lines and awesome views. #osaka #worldexpo #japan
@retirementtravelers
@retirementtravelers
•
Follow
Hands down, our favorite thing at the Osaka World Expo 2025 was the Grand Ring—a jaw-dropping, 2-kilometer wooden skywalk that loops above the pavilions like a giant hula hoop. Not only does it hold the Guinness World Record for the largest wooden architectural structure, but it also came with one magical feature most of the pavilions lacked: no reservations required!!! We strolled around the wooden marvel like VIPs with zero lines and awesome views. #osaka #worldexpo #japan
4 weeks ago
View on Instagram |
3/12
We took one last wander through Kyoto’s bamboo forest today—along with what felt like the entire population of Earth. Still, the towering stalks and swaying hush made it feel like nature was trying its best to whisper over the crowd. As we get ready to leave Kyoto behind, we’re carrying some unforgettable moments with us and we look forward to adding some more along the way. #kyoto #japanlife  #bambooforest
@retirementtravelers
@retirementtravelers
•
Follow
We took one last wander through Kyoto’s bamboo forest today—along with what felt like the entire population of Earth. Still, the towering stalks and swaying hush made it feel like nature was trying its best to whisper over the crowd. As we get ready to leave Kyoto behind, we’re carrying some unforgettable moments with us and we look forward to adding some more along the way. #kyoto #japanlife #bambooforest
4 weeks ago
View on Instagram |
4/12
We’ve officially arrived in Kyoto, and guess who’s already winning at this whole cultural immersion thing. Our 7-year-old granddaughter. Jet lag? She laughed in its face. Chopsticks? She’s in training. Bowing politely? Basically, a local diplomat. And the outfit? A pink kimono and a matching fan that we bought her—she’s got more style than the rest of us combined. Meanwhile, we’re over here trying to decode the Japanese metro system like it’s an escape room… after a month of being spoiled by China’s luxury rail life. She’s thriving, we’re surviving—and honestly, we wouldn’t have it any other way! It is also good reminder to us to still see the world through the curiosity and innocence of a child. Evie, Thanks for joining us in Japan!!! #kyotojapan #kyoto #japan
@retirementtravelers
@retirementtravelers
•
Follow
We’ve officially arrived in Kyoto, and guess who’s already winning at this whole cultural immersion thing. Our 7-year-old granddaughter. Jet lag? She laughed in its face. Chopsticks? She’s in training. Bowing politely? Basically, a local diplomat. And the outfit? A pink kimono and a matching fan that we bought her—she’s got more style than the rest of us combined. Meanwhile, we’re over here trying to decode the Japanese metro system like it’s an escape room… after a month of being spoiled by China’s luxury rail life. She’s thriving, we’re surviving—and honestly, we wouldn’t have it any other way! It is also good reminder to us to still see the world through the curiosity and innocence of a child. Evie, Thanks for joining us in Japan!!! #kyotojapan #kyoto #japan
1 month ago
View on Instagram |
5/12
In the heart of Shanghai’s futuristic skyline, we found ourselves living a dream—our lodging nestled high within the iconic Jin Mao Tower(Bldg on left). Each morning, we woke to a commanding view of the World Financial Center slicing through the sky, and just steps away stood the architectural marvel that is the Shanghai Tower—the third tallest building in the world. Our adventure reached thrilling new heights as we ascended to its summit, where the city sprawled beneath us like a living tapestry. It was more than just a stay; it was a front-row seat to one of the most awe-inspiring skylines on Earth. #shanghai #chinatrip #jinmaotower #shanghaitower #china
@retirementtravelers
@retirementtravelers
•
Follow
In the heart of Shanghai’s futuristic skyline, we found ourselves living a dream—our lodging nestled high within the iconic Jin Mao Tower(Bldg on left). Each morning, we woke to a commanding view of the World Financial Center slicing through the sky, and just steps away stood the architectural marvel that is the Shanghai Tower—the third tallest building in the world. Our adventure reached thrilling new heights as we ascended to its summit, where the city sprawled beneath us like a living tapestry. It was more than just a stay; it was a front-row seat to one of the most awe-inspiring skylines on Earth. #shanghai #chinatrip #jinmaotower #shanghaitower #china
1 month ago
View on Instagram |
6/12
A visit to Beijing isn’t complete without a long walk on the Great Wall (Badaling section), which is now only a 30-minute train ride from Beijing North Railway Station. It is simply spectacular and a must visit. #greatwall #greatwallofchina #china
@retirementtravelers
@retirementtravelers
•
Follow
A visit to Beijing isn’t complete without a long walk on the Great Wall (Badaling section), which is now only a 30-minute train ride from Beijing North Railway Station. It is simply spectacular and a must visit. #greatwall #greatwallofchina #china
1 month ago
View on Instagram |
7/12
Bev stood in awe before the Army of Terracotta Warriors near Xi'an. Hidden for 2200 years, these ancient relics were only unearthed by a Chinese farmer in 1974. China's First Emperor Qin Shi Huang sought to defy mortality. He poured vast resources into constructing an underground empire, complete with palaces, armies, chariots, and stables. Spanning 21 square miles, this UNESCO World Heritage Site is the largest burial ground on earth. #xian #xianchina #terracottawarriors #china #retirementtravel
@retirementtravelers
@retirementtravelers
•
Follow
Bev stood in awe before the Army of Terracotta Warriors near Xi'an. Hidden for 2200 years, these ancient relics were only unearthed by a Chinese farmer in 1974. China's First Emperor Qin Shi Huang sought to defy mortality. He poured vast resources into constructing an underground empire, complete with palaces, armies, chariots, and stables. Spanning 21 square miles, this UNESCO World Heritage Site is the largest burial ground on earth. #xian #xianchina #terracottawarriors #china #retirementtravel
1 month ago
View on Instagram |
8/12
The reason we stopped in Chengdu was pretty black and white………and very, very cute. 🐼
The Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding is an incredible facility that houses over 200 Giant Pandas and Red Pandas. This photo is the most famous resident here. She is a cutie and a social media star in China, named HuaHua. 
#pandas #huahua #chengdu #chinatravel
@retirementtravelers
@retirementtravelers
•
Follow
The reason we stopped in Chengdu was pretty black and white………and very, very cute. 🐼 The Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding is an incredible facility that houses over 200 Giant Pandas and Red Pandas. This photo is the most famous resident here. She is a cutie and a social media star in China, named HuaHua. #pandas #huahua #chengdu #chinatravel
2 months ago
View on Instagram |
9/12
@retirementtravelers
@retirementtravelers
•
Follow
We are in Chongqing. This municipality in southwestern China is considered one of the largest cities in the world with over 30 million people. It is massive! It is nicknamed “The Mountain City” because of the many urban hills with unique transportation systems that adapt to the terrain. This is a vibrant place with lots of high-end shopping, a monorail that passes through a building, towering skyscrapers, and so many wonderful “Hot Pot” restaurants. #china #chongqing #lizibastation
2 months ago
View on Instagram |
10/12
Just zipping around China by train,
We think it’s much better than a plane.
A rail network so vast,
And speeds that are fast,
There is nary a thing to complain.

Several of you have asked how we are getting around in China? Well, the Chinese high-speed train system has quite simply BLOWN US AWAY!!! It is modern, affordable, fast, clean, efficient, convenient and has great service. There is a rapidly expanding network of 25,000 miles of high-speed rail lines, with numerous daily routes going about anywhere you would want to go. We have tried the 1st and 2nd class tickets, both of which are perfectly fine, but admit we love the over-the-top luxury of business class for affordable prices. We will be detailing more info about Chinese train travel in future videos, so stay tuned. John and Bev
#china #trains #traintravel
@retirementtravelers
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Just zipping around China by train, We think it’s much better than a plane. A rail network so vast, And speeds that are fast, There is nary a thing to complain. Several of you have asked how we are getting around in China? Well, the Chinese high-speed train system has quite simply BLOWN US AWAY!!! It is modern, affordable, fast, clean, efficient, convenient and has great service. There is a rapidly expanding network of 25,000 miles of high-speed rail lines, with numerous daily routes going about anywhere you would want to go. We have tried the 1st and 2nd class tickets, both of which are perfectly fine, but admit we love the over-the-top luxury of business class for affordable prices. We will be detailing more info about Chinese train travel in future videos, so stay tuned. John and Bev #china #trains #traintravel
2 months ago
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11/12
Tianmen Mountain was our third incredible attraction near Zhangjiajie, China. The mountain can be accessed from the city by two different exhilarating aerial trams or a dangerous highway featuring 99 hairpin turns. Tianmen literally means “Heaven’s Gate” and the 999 stairs leading up to the opening are known as the Stairway to Heaven. Climbing this stairway was another bucket list experience for us, so we took our time on the steep steps and just savored every moment. After passing through the gate, a long series of escalators take you up through the inside of the mountain to the top, where they have a glass-bottomed walkway hugging a cliffside and many great views of the area.
#china #tianmen #tianmenmountain
@retirementtravelers
@retirementtravelers
•
Follow
Tianmen Mountain was our third incredible attraction near Zhangjiajie, China. The mountain can be accessed from the city by two different exhilarating aerial trams or a dangerous highway featuring 99 hairpin turns. Tianmen literally means “Heaven’s Gate” and the 999 stairs leading up to the opening are known as the Stairway to Heaven. Climbing this stairway was another bucket list experience for us, so we took our time on the steep steps and just savored every moment. After passing through the gate, a long series of escalators take you up through the inside of the mountain to the top, where they have a glass-bottomed walkway hugging a cliffside and many great views of the area. #china #tianmen #tianmenmountain
2 months ago
View on Instagram |
12/12

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