Starbucks Been There Ningbo mug

Been There – Ningbo

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It wasn’t easy to track down a photo of the elusive Been There – Ningbo mug. And this image only shows the front – never mind the other sides. If you happen to have the mug, I’d truly appreciate it if you could share some pictures..

Ningbo, whose name means “calm waves,” sits on the coastal plain of the Yong River in Zhejiang Province and has been an active port since ancient times. Archaeological finds like the Hemudu Neolithic Culture reveal human settlement here as early as 7,000 years ago and a pioneering history of rice cultivation. During the Tang, Song, Yuan, and Ming dynasties, Ningbo grew into a vital maritime trade hub – later formally named Ningbo in 1381 – playing a major role in China’s coastal commerce and becoming a treaty port in 1843.

Tianyi Ge, founded in the Ming Dynasty, is regarded as China’s oldest private library and now forms the core of the Tianyi Ge Museum complex. This museum preserves nearly 300,000 volumes of ancient books and includes historical buildings like ancestral halls and the Drum Tower. Its gardens, exhibits, and peaceful architecture make it a cultural highlight of Ningbo.

– Designed by Pritzker Prize-winning architect Wang Shu, the Ningbo Museum blends recycled bricks, bamboo, and concrete into an iconic structure meant to evoke the local landscape. Inside, exhibits chronicle the region’s development – from the Hemudu culture through maritime trade and contemporary Ningbo customs. It’s both an architectural gem and a deep dive into local heritage.

– Located about 15 km north of downtown Ningbo, Baoguo Temple dates back to the Tang and Song dynasties and features one of the oldest surviving wooden main halls in southern China (built in 1013). Though no longer an active temple, it houses exhibitions of Confucian bronzes, local artifacts, and architectural relics of Ningbo’s history. It’s a serene, historically rich attraction offering insight into ancient craftsmanship.

– Completed in 2002, Tianyi Square is the largest public square in Ningbo, spanning around 200,000 sqm and surrounded by European-style buildings. The square includes Asia’s tallest musical fountain, a water screen cinema, and more than 300 shops and restaurants. It serves as a vibrant social and commercial hub in the city center.

Nantang Old Street is a reconstructed historical district in the Gulou area featuring pedestrian streets, shops, cafés, and traditional architecture. Adjacent is the preserved Drum Tower, around which local eateries and street life thrive. This combined district offers a blend of heritage charm and modern urban energy.

Dongqian Lake, not far from the city, is Ningbo’s largest freshwater lake framed by scenic hills and resorts – ideal for a relaxing day trip. Nearby, Tiantong Temple lies at the foot of Siming Mountain and is an ancient Buddhist site nestled in nature. Both destinations offer tranquil escapes and a taste of Ningbo’s countryside spirituality.

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