Been There – Guangzhou

Much like most of the Chinese mugs from this series, Starbucks Been There – Guangzhou is an older release that I had no chance to review just yet.

Guangzhou is one of the oldest cities in the country. Its origins date back over 2,200 years to the Qin Dynasty, when it was established as a trading port. It became a crucial hub during the Tang and Song Dynasties, connecting China to the Maritime Silk Road and facilitating cultural and commercial exchanges with Southeast Asia, the Middle East, and beyond.… Read more

Been There – Nagano

Starbucks Been There – Nagano is a mug for a prefecture located in the Chūbu region of Japan. Originally settled in prehistoric times, Nagano played a significant role during the Sengoku period (1467-1615) as a strategic location for several prominent feudal lords. The area’s historical prominence was further highlighted by the construction of the famous Zenko-ji Temple in the 7th century, which became a major pilgrimage site. During the Edo period (1603-1868), Nagano thrived as a post town on the Nakasendo route, connecting Edo (modern-day Tokyo) with Kyoto.… Read more

Been There – Australia 2

Absolutely out of nowhere, Starbucks revealed a new version of the mug released earlier. It seems that the design of Been There – Australia 2 is entirely dedicated to surfing and anything related to it, and as you can see from the comparison picture below, there are pretty much no common elements between v1 and v2.

It is a well-known fact that surfing is deeply ingrained in Australian culture, reflecting the nation’s close relationship with the ocean and its laid-back, outdoor lifestyle.… Read more

Been There – Nagasaki

Starbucks Been There – Nagasaki is a mug for a city on Japan’s Kyushu island that has a rich history marked by periods of foreign influence and cultural exchange. As one of Japan’s earliest ports open to foreign trade in the 16th century, Nagasaki became a hub for interactions with Portuguese and Dutch traders, significantly shaping the city’s cultural and economic landscape. The city also played a crucial role in the spread of Christianity in Japan. Today, Nagasaki reflects its diverse historical influences through its architecture, traditions, and vibrant cultural heritage.… Read more

Been There – NC State

It has been a while since I reviewed mugs from Campus Collection. Meanwhile, there were some interesting releases, and Starbucks Been There – NC State is one of them.

North Carolina State University, founded in 1887 as a land-grant institution, began as the North Carolina College of Agriculture and Mechanic Arts. Located in Raleigh, it was established to provide practical education in agriculture and engineering. Over the decades, NC State expanded its academic offerings and research capabilities, becoming a comprehensive university.… Read more

Been There – Wuhan

Been There – Wuhan is a mug for the capital of Hubei province in central China, with a history dating back over 3,500 years. Originally a series of three towns—Wuchang, Hankou, and Hanyang—it became a pivotal site for trade and transportation due to its strategic location at the confluence of the Yangtze and Han rivers. Throughout Chinese history, Wuhan has been a center of political and military significance, notably during the 1911 Wuchang Uprising, which played a crucial role in the downfall of the Qing Dynasty and the establishment of the Republic of China.… Read more

Been There – Osaka

Starbucks Been There – Osaka is a mug for one of Japan’s major cities, that boasts a rich history dating back over 1,500 years. Originally known as Naniwa, it served as a bustling port and the nation’s capital during the 7th and 8th centuries under the reigns of Emperor Kōtoku and Emperor Shōmu. The city played a pivotal role in Japan’s maritime trade, connecting the country with the rest of Asia. During the Azuchi-Momoyama period in the late 16th century, Osaka Castle was constructed under the orders of Toyotomi Hideyoshi, a key figure in Japan’s unification.… Read more

Been There – Xi’an

Here is Been There – Xi’an mug for one of China’s oldest cities, a vibrant historical epicenter of the country. Once known as Chang’an, it was the capital for several of China’s most significant dynasties, including the Zhou, Qin, Han, and Tang. This city’s historical prominence is epitomized by the famed Terracotta Army, which guards the tomb of Emperor Qin Shi Huang, the first Emperor of China. Xi’an was also the eastern terminus of the Silk Road, facilitating cultural, commercial, and technological exchanges between East and West for centuries.… Read more

Been There – Chengdu

Been There – Chengdu is the mug for the capital of Sichuan Province in southwestern China, boasts a rich historical legacy dating back over 4,000 years. As one of the cradles of Chinese civilization, it was a significant cultural and political center during the ancient Shu Kingdom, long before the Qin dynasty unified China. Archaeological discoveries, such as the Jinsha Site, have unearthed artifacts that testify to Chengdu’s ancient prosperity and cultural richness. During the Han dynasty, Chengdu was known as a major hub of commerce and industry, particularly noted for its production of brocade, which earned it the nickname “Brocade City.” Throughout the Tang and Song dynasties, Chengdu continued to flourish as a cultural and literary center, contributing significantly to Chinese poetry and art.… Read more

Been There – Xiamen

Starbucks Been There – Xiamen is a mug for a coastal city in southeastern China. Historically known as Amoy, it emerged as a vital port during the Song Dynasty, flourishing through maritime trade. The city played a significant role during the Ming Dynasty as a defense base against pirates and later as a key site during the First Opium War. Its colonial legacy is evident in the Gulangyu Island, a UNESCO World Heritage site, reflecting a blend of Western and Eastern architectural styles.… Read more

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