Been There Ornament – Shanghai Limited Edition
I’ve already mentioned the release of the limited-edition Shanghai mug and ornament in an earlier post. The collection appears to be tied to the opening of the Bearista Town pop-up store and museum in Shanghai. As an avid ornament collector, I simply couldn’t pass up the opportunity, so I ordered the Been There Ornament Shanghai Limited Edition, which arrived yesterday. My first impression? It looks even better in person. The combination of rich chocolate-brown and gold tones gives it a premium feel that immediately sets it apart from other ornaments in the series. Even the packaging is unique, featuring a chocolate-brown box – a colour that, to my knowledge, has never been used before for Been There ornament packaging.
As for the artwork itself, it appears that the designers took inspiration from the regular Shanghai ornament and reimagined the layout, rearranging many of the familiar landmarks and symbols. This time, the Wukang Mansion takes center stage on the front of the ornament. Built in 1924 and designed by Hungarian-Slovak architect László Hudec, the distinctive wedge-shaped building is one of Shanghai’s architectural icons and a favourite subject for photographers exploring the city’s historic French Concession.
Other landmarks and symbols of Shanghai, as per the design of this ornament:
– Wukang Road is represented alongside the mansion. Often regarded as one of Shanghai’s most charming streets, it is lined with historic villas, plane trees, cafés, and boutique shops. Walking along Wukang Road offers a glimpse into the city’s architectural heritage and a slower-paced side of modern Shanghai.
– The Bund remains one of the city’s most recognizable landmarks. Stretching along the Huangpu River, the waterfront promenade is famous for its collection of grand historic buildings dating from Shanghai’s international trading era. It remains one of the best places to admire the contrast between old and new Shanghai.
– The Shanghai skyline appears across the ornament, including several of the city’s famous skyscrapers and the unmistakable Oriental Pearl TV Tower. Together, these structures symbolize Shanghai’s rise as a global financial and commercial center and create one of the most recognizable urban skylines in the world.
– Zhujiajiao Ancient Town represents Shanghai’s historic water-town heritage. Located on the outskirts of the city, Zhujiajiao is known for its canals, stone bridges, traditional architecture, and narrow streets that have preserved the atmosphere of centuries past.
– Xintiandi is another landmark featured in the design. This popular district combines restored shikumen houses with modern restaurants, cafés, and shops. It has become one of Shanghai’s most vibrant neighbourhoods while preserving elements of the city’s historic character.
Local cuisine specialties to try:
– Xiaolongbao, Shanghai’s famous soup dumplings, highlight the city’s culinary traditions. These delicate steamed dumplings are filled with savoury broth and meat, making them one of the most beloved dishes in Shanghai cuisine.
– Shanghai-style mooncakes complete the collection of local food references. Unlike their Cantonese counterparts, Shanghai mooncakes are typically baked with flaky pastry and filled with sweet or savoury ingredients. They remain a popular seasonal treat, especially during the Mid-Autumn Festival.
Overall, this limited-edition ornament feels like a thoughtful celebration of Shanghai, blending iconic architecture, historic neighbourhoods, and beloved local foods into a design that is both familiar and fresh. Combined with its unique colour scheme and special packaging, it easily ranks among the most distinctive ornaments released in the Been There series.
