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Home » The Best Sydney Travel Guide for Your Visit
a woman on a boat with a view of the Sydney Opera House from the water

The Best Sydney Travel Guide for Your Visit

Last Updated: September 19, 2024

Table of Contents

Toggle
  8 Minutes Read
    • Check out Sailing Vlog during our visit!
  • Darling Harbour
  • The Rocks
  • City Center
  • Kings Cross
  • Paddington
  • Bondi Beach
  • Where To Stay In Sydney, Australia
  • Where To Eat In Sydney
  • Sights To See In Sydney
    • Sydney by Water
    • Shopping in Sydney
    • Best Park in Sydney
    • Best Cathedral in Sydney
  • More city highlights:
    • The Most Iconic Landmark in Sydney
  • Best Time to Visit Sydney, Australia
  • Posts from Australia:
    • The 7 Best Places to See the Cherry Blossoms
    • The 10 Most Unique Cruises in the World
    • Amazing Retirement Travel: Sailing Sydney Harbour
    • Amazing Things to Do on a Moorea Day Trip from Papeete, Tahiti (includes map)
    • The 10 Most Amazing Restaurants in Sydney, Australia (includes map)

We were keen as kangaroos to hop over to our Sydney travel guide to explore the capital of New South Wales. As the biggest city in OZ (nickname for Australia), there is a lot to see, with fantastic beaches, a diverse cultural scene, and a modern city always buzzing with activity. Our ultimate travel guide to seeing Sydney, Australia will make you wish you were already there. This is a must visit place during your retirement travel.

Check out Sailing Vlog during our visit!

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The neighborhoods in Sydney, Australia are diverse as the nationalities living there. Each place has a unique vibe and sights, so plan your trip carefully and take advantage of all the highlights. Here are some not-to-be-missed areas in our Sydney travel guide.

Darling Harbour

Sydney Australia waterfront with a large pedestrian walkway and many large buildings
Sydney Waterfront

This trendy part of the city is always busy with people enjoying the entertainment and sights like the aquarium, zoo, casino, Chinese Garden of Friendship, and the National Maritime Museum. Take a scenic stroll during the day. Then go back at night to ride the giant Ferris wheel, see the city lights, and go bar hopping along the hip Cockle Bay Wharf area.

The Rocks

Waterfront area in downtown sydney near the Harbour bridge
Sydney Waterfront near Opera House

The iconic Sydney Harbour Bridge is at The Rocks, with plenty of hotels, shopping, restaurants, and nightlife. There are also many nice parks to connect with nature with spectacular water views.

City Center

downtown Sydney Australia street with a bus stop sign
Downtown Sydney

The central business district includes the Royal Botanical Gardens, shopping, museums, cafes, and art galleries. In addition, UNESCO designated the Hyde Park Barracks Museum, a jail back in the 1800s, a world heritage site. Experience panoramic views of the city from the Sydney Tower Eye’s viewing platform with powerful binoculars to spy on the world below, then have a 4D cinema experience that will blow your mind with its special effects.

Kings Cross

sydney australia skyline at night
Sydney skyline at night

The red light district is best seen late at night with bars, pubs, cabaret shows, and clubs overflowing with cocktails and colorful characters. The eye-catching El Alamein Memorial Fountain and the massive neon Coca-Cola billboard are iconic sights of the area.

Paddington

Click here to visit the Website

Paddington Markets on Saturday are worth getting up early for, and you can continue shopping with many shops, boutiques, and stores where you can find unique bargains and special items for your home.

Bondi Beach

crowded beach area with shoreline and waves coming in
Bondi Beach near Sydney

Sun seekers can find the perfect sandy beach in Sydney with plenty to choose from. One of the most popular is Bondi Beach, near the city center. Usually busy with tourists and locals enjoying the chic beach bars, restaurants, and impressive surf conditions, it is great if you like a party vibe as you soak up the sun. There is a walk from Bondi to Coogee that bypasses many of the best beaches in Sydney, many of which are a little quieter than buzzing Bondi.

Where To Stay In Sydney, Australia

Choosing accommodation might be one of the hardest parts of planning a trip to Sydney. That is because there is an overwhelming array of excellent options, from hotels to hostels to Airbnbs to resorts in all budget ranges. There are jaw-dropping places if you want to splurge for a night or longer and some unusual digs to lay your head, too. Here are some we would love to check into and stay a while.

SKYE Suites Sydney has ultra-modern digs that are very Instagram-worthy. Contemporary decor bordering on futuristic goes hand in hand with the five-star service and stunning city views.

Click here to visit the Website

Ovolo Woolloomooloo is a fun one to tell your taxi driver. This decor is as distinct as the name because this waterfront hotel was formerly a warehouse. Industrial vibes, funky furniture, and a cool atmosphere are what you can expect, especially if you book the INXS suite with a complimentary bar and vintage record player.

Click here to visit the Website

Bring your sunglasses when you check into the ADGE Hotel because the decor, including the psychedelic artwork in the lobby, is bright. The fully serviced apartments in Surry Hills mean you can feel at home and even do your laundry or cook meals. But who would want to with all the outstanding restaurants nearby, including Japanese and Italian restaurants in the same building?

Click here to visit the Website

Where To Eat In Sydney

Expect a gastronomic experience every day in Sydney. With fancy waterfront dining, cuisine from every country and culture imaginable, cool cafes, innovative restaurants, and food trucks serving mouthwatering dishes, you sure won’t go hungry, whatever your dining style.

Here are some places to put on your list if you are serious foodies or coffee fanatics. Cornersmith is heaven for vegetarians who appreciate great food and coffee. Grab one of their picnic boxes and head to the park. After a long day at the beach in Bondi, try Shuk, an Israeli restaurant with a reputation for irresistible hummus and lamb. They also sell pastries and sandwiches if you want a quick bite.

Click here to visit the Website

Sean’s is another Bondi delight for seafood lovers. Perched on a hill, you can enjoy scallops and seafood linguini with a glass of Australian wine while gazing at the blue ocean. The owner grows his vegetables and always tries to source fresh local ingredients. It’s food with surf and soul.

Click here to visit the Website

Sights To See In Sydney

A free walking tour is a great way to kick off your explorations of Sydney. Friendly volunteers will take you on an informative journey through some of the most interesting streets, doing their best to answer your questions along the way.

Sydney by Water

A boat trip or cruise is always fun, and with so much water surrounding the city, you have plenty of can climb aboard whenever the mood strikes. Breezy harbor cruises, exhilarating jet boat rides, romantic boat trips in the evening, and luxury yacht excursions are some options. A half-day discovery cruise on a historic tall ship passes by all the best landmarks, and the crew even lets passengers take a turn at steering the boat or hoisting the sails.

people getting on a metro train in sydney Australia
Riding the Sydney Metro

Shopping in Sydney

The shopping in Sydney, Australia is so tempting with malls, boutique shops, department stores, and markets. Sydney locals dress so stylishly, and it’s largely thanks to the great shopping they have access to. It’s easy to get around with an excellent public transportation system. Grab an Opal Card to easily ride on buses, trains, and ferries in and around Sydney. As we did, you can also use Apple Pay on your phone and skip getting the card. Of course, going on foot is always fun, and there are so many walks to discover, including Shelly Headland Upper Lookout, Malabar Headland National Park, and, let’s not forget, the Sydney Harbour bridge walk. The tallest steel arch bridge on the planet looks fantastic from afar and is exciting to walk over if you don’t mind the dizzying heights.

man walking through the gates at Sydney botanic garden
Sydney Botanic Garden

Best Park in Sydney

The Royal Botanic Garden Sydney is a peaceful haven in the city with 30 hectares of picturesque gardens where people gather to exercise, relax and enjoy events. With views of Sydney Harbour and the Sydney Opera House, it dates back to 1816 and is free to visit. So pack a picnic and a good book, and you have the perfect afternoon set.

large cathedral with blue sky in background
St. Mary’s Cathedral in Sydney

Best Cathedral in Sydney

St Mary’s Cathedral is a Catholic church that is well worth a visit to see the colorful stained glass and maybe hear the world-renowned choir. Book a cathedral tour or quietly slip in to admire the architecture between services. The Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Darlinghurst and St Columbkille’s Catholic Church in Wooloomooloo are also stunning.

large modern building housing a museum of contemporary art
Museum of Contemporary Art

More city highlights:

  • Visit the animals at Taronga Zoo Sydney
  • Get a culture fix at the Art Gallery of New South Wales
  • Admire the works at the Museum of Contemporary Art
  • Roam around Port Jackson Bay
  • Go swimming at Manly Beach
  • Hike through the scenic Garigal National Park
  • Take a spooky ghost tour

The Most Iconic Landmark in Sydney

Of course, you didn’t visit Sydney if you didn’t see the Sydney Opera House. A fine example of innovative architecture, it is easily recognizable and seen in many areas of the city. Step inside, and you can find your kind of show, be it comedy, magic, drama, symphony, dance, or of course, opera. World-class acts and Australia’s best are invited to perform, and you can also dine, drink or take a tour of the famous building that floats on the water with a backdrop of blue skies and skyscrapers.

Book a tandem skydive to see it from the air, which will surely be one of the most exciting times of your Sydney stay. If you use our link, we make a small commission and you don’t pay anything more, so thanks!

small carnival area with ferris wheel  along a river with a boat passing by
Luna Park in Sydney

Luna Park Sydney is another place to get your adrenalin pumping. The amusement park has a retro old-school vibe. It’s not Disneyland, but it’s almost as much fun.

View of Sydney Opera house from bridge with a man and woman in the foreground
Retirement Travelers on the Sydney Harbour Bridge

Sydney, Australia is one fantastic corner of the globe, glamorous, exciting, and laid back in that Aussie way that draws you into staying a few days longer. We hope to return because there were places we didn’t get time to visit. However, a month might not be enough because one discovery leads to another, as the locals and tourists love to share their favorite places with anyone who will listen. So research, plan, travel and enjoy and you will surely fall in love with Sydney as we did.

Best Time to Visit Sydney, Australia

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 Australia:

cherry blossom festivals

The 7 Best Places to See the Cherry Blossoms

flamingos in the water

The 10 Most Unique Cruises in the World

Two couples pictured with Sydney Harbour in background

Amazing Retirement Travel: Sailing Sydney Harbour

Amazing Things to Do on a Moorea Day Trip from Papeete, Tahiti (includes map)

An aerial view of Sydney, Australia, and the Sydney Opera House surrounded by the Pacific Ocean.

The 10 Most Amazing Restaurants in Sydney, Australia (includes map)

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About Us

A picture of John & Bev celebrating 100 countries with balloons and champaign.

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
4 days 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!!!
2 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
3 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
3 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
3 weeks 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
4 weeks 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
1 month 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
1 month 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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