Been There – Hong Kong

Starbucks Been There Hong Kong mug is revealed almost two years after the release of the Mainland China batch. Interestingly enough, Been There Macau was released even earlier, back in 2021!

Hong Kong’s history is a tale of transformation from a small fishing village to a global financial hub. Originally part of imperial China, it was ceded to the British Empire in 1841 following the First Opium War. Under British rule, Hong Kong became a major port and trading center. The territory experienced rapid industrialization and economic growth in the 20th century, becoming known as one of the “Four Asian Tigers.” In 1997, sovereignty over Hong Kong was transferred back to China under the “one country, two systems” principle, which allowed it to maintain its capitalist system and a degree of autonomy.… Read more

Been There – Nagoya

Been There Nagoya is a mug for Japan’s fourth-largest city with a history dating back to the Edo period. Originally a small castle town, it gained prominence in the early 17th century when Tokugawa Ieyasu, the founder of the Tokugawa shogunate, built Nagoya Castle as a strategic stronghold. The city flourished as a political and economic center during the feudal era. In the Meiji period, Nagoya rapidly industrialized, becoming a major manufacturing hub. Despite heavy damage during World War II, the city rebuilt quickly, emerging as a vital industrial and technological center in post-war Japan, particularly in the automotive and aerospace industries.… Read more

Been There – Nanjing

Been There – Nanjing is a mug for a city located in eastern China along the Yangtze River. It was the capital of several Chinese dynasties, most notably the Ming Dynasty from 1368 to 1644. This strategic location has made Nanjing a vital political, economic, and cultural center for centuries. Today, the city beautifully juxtaposes its historical heritage with modern development, featuring landmarks like the Ming Xiaoling Mausoleum and the Nanjing Yangtze River Bridge, making it a profound testament to China’s resilience and evolution throughout the ages.… Read more

This block contains affiliate links. We may receive a commission for purchases made by you through such links.

Been There – Allure of the Seas

Starbucks Been There Allure of the Seas is one of ten mugs released for the Royal Caribbean cruise line. You can buy these mugs at each ship that has a standalone Starbucks store. I will be adding all of them to the blog, so stay tuned!

Allure of the Seas, launched in 2010, is one of the largest and most innovative cruise ships in the world, part of Royal Caribbean’s renowned Oasis Class. With a length of 1,181 feet and a capacity to accommodate over 5,400 passengers, this floating city offers an unparalleled cruising experience.… Read more

Been There – Chongqing

Been There Chongqing is a mug for a sprawling municipality in southwestern China that is known for its rich history and vibrant culture. Originally established as a military stronghold during the Qin Dynasty (221-206 BC), it evolved into a significant trading hub along the Yangtze River. Its strategic location made it a vital center during the Second Sino-Japanese War, serving as the temporary capital of China. The city is renowned for its unique blend of modern skyscrapers and ancient relics, with attractions like the Dazu Rock Carvings and the historic Ciqikou ancient town reflecting its diverse heritage.… Read more

Been There – New York University

It has been a while since I’ve had a new release from the Campus Collection for review, and it seems that Been There New York University mugs are finally widely available now.

New York University (NYU) was founded in 1831 by a group of prominent New Yorkers led by then-Secretary of the Treasury Albert Gallatin. The vision was to create a non-denominational, accessible institution that catered to the working class, a stark contrast to the private, religious colleges that dominated the educational landscape of the time.… Read more

This block contains affiliate links. We may receive a commission for purchases made by you through such links.

Been There Disney – World Of Frozen (Hong Kong Disneyland)

I did a quick preview of the Been There World of Frozen mug from Disney earlier, and it is time to take a better look at its design. Now that I am giving it a second look, I cannot help but notice that it looks very similar to the Arendelle mug I’ve reviewed already. Some of the characters can be found on both mugs:

Elsa is the Snow Queen of Arendelle, known for her magical ability to create ice and snow.… Read more

Been There – Shanghai

Starbucks Been There Shanghai is a mug for a global metropolis on China’s eastern coast that experienced transformative growth in the 19th century when it emerged as a major trading port following the Treaty of Nanking in 1842. This pivotal moment opened the city to international trade, leading to a period of rapid development and cosmopolitan influence. As foreign concessions sprang up, Shanghai became a melting pot of cultures and architectural styles, blending traditional Chinese elements with Western innovations. The city’s iconic Bund area, with its historic buildings from the early 20th century, and its modern skyline featuring skyscrapers like the Shanghai Tower, reflect this rich tapestry of history and progress.… Read more

Been There – Hokkaido

Starbucks Been There Hokkaido is a mug for Japan’s northernmost island, which has a rich history shaped by its indigenous Ainu people and later Japanese colonization. Originally called “Ezo,” Hokkaido was home to the Ainu for centuries before the Japanese government began its assimilation efforts in the 19th century. The Meiji Restoration marked a turning point when Hokkaido was officially named and developed as a frontier for agricultural expansion and defense. The island’s harsh climate and rugged terrain made settlement challenging, but the development of infrastructure and the influx of settlers transformed Hokkaido into a vital part of Japan’s national identity.… Read more

Been There – Hiroshima

Starbucks Been There – Hiroshima is a mug for a city in Japan’s Chūgoku region, which has a rich history that extends far beyond the tragic events of World War II. Founded in the late 16th century by the powerful warlord Mōri Terumoto, Hiroshima developed as a key economic and cultural hub in western Japan. The city thrived through the Edo period and into the modern era, becoming a center for industry and education. However, Hiroshima is most widely recognized internationally for the atomic bombing on August 6, 1945, which resulted in massive destruction and loss of life.… Read more

1 3 4 5 6 7 43