Been There – Qingdao

Been There – Qingdao is a mug for a city with a history of international influences and cultural transformations. Originally a small fishing village, the city was dramatically changed in 1897 when German colonial forces seized the territory, establishing a concession and significantly developing the area’s infrastructure. The Germans built many distinctive buildings and introduced modern urban planning, including the famous brewery that would become Tsingtao Beer. In 1914, Japan took control of the city during World War I, further altering its landscape and governance.… Read more

Been There – Kanazawa

Been There – Kanazawa is a mug for a city located in Ishikawa Prefecture on the western coast of Japan. The city flourished under the powerful Maeda clan, who ruled the Kaga Domain for nearly 300 years, transforming Kanazawa into a significant cultural and economic center. Despite being spared from major bombings during World War II, the city preserved much of its traditional architecture and cultural traditions, making it one of Japan’s most well-preserved historical cities.

Places to visit in Kanazawa:

Kenroku-en is widely considered one of Japan’s three most beautiful landscape gardens.… Read more

Been There – Utopia of the Seas

Been There – Utopia of the Seas is a mug for the ship that represents the pinnacle of engineering and luxury. Launched in 2022, this massive vessel is part of the Oasis-class cruise ships and stands as the world’s largest passenger ship, measuring an impressive 1,188 feet long and weighing over 235,000 gross tons. At the time of its construction, the ship could accommodate approximately 6,988 passengers and 2,300 crew members, making it a floating city that redefines maritime travel.

Giovanni’s Italian Restaurant offers passengers an authentic and sophisticated dining experience aboard the Utopia of the Seas.… Read more

Been There – Guilin

Been There – Guilin is a mug for a city nestled in the Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region of southern China with a rich historical legacy dating back over 2,000 years. First established during the Qin Dynasty around 214 BCE, the city has been a pivotal cultural and strategic center, witnessing the rise and fall of numerous dynasties. Its name, meaning “Forest of Sweet Osmanthus,” reflects the abundance of fragrant osmanthus trees that have characterized the landscape for centuries, symbolizing the region’s natural beauty and cultural significance.… Read more

Been There – Symphony of the Seas

Been There – Symphony of the Seas is a mug for a cruiseship launched in March 2018 as a part of Royal Caribbean International’s Oasis-class fleet. It held the title of the largest cruise ship in the world upon its debut, boasting a staggering length of 1,188 feet and the capacity to carry over 6,600 passengers. This engineering marvel was constructed at the STX France shipyard and represents the pinnacle of innovation in luxury cruising.

– One of the ship’s standout features is Central Park, an open-air space filled with over 20,000 plants and trees.… Read more

Been There – Harbin

Been There – Harbin is a mug for the capital of Heilongjiang Province in northeastern China, which boasts a rich and complex history that reflects the region’s strategic importance. Founded in 1898 as a small village, the city rapidly developed after the construction of the Chinese Eastern Railway, becoming a crucial transportation hub. Throughout the early 20th century, Harbin emerged as a cosmopolitan city with significant Russian influence, particularly during the Russian Empire’s expansion and the subsequent Russian Revolution. The city experienced multiple transformations, surviving Japanese occupation, Communist Revolution, and ultimately becoming a modern Chinese metropolis that seamlessly blends historical heritage with contemporary urban development.… Read more

Been There – Oasis of the Seas

Been There – Oasis of the Seas is a mug for a groundbreaking cruise ship that revolutionized the cruise industry. At an impressive 1,187 feet long and weighing 225,282 gross tons, this massive vessel was the largest passenger ship in the world when it was introduced. The ship can accommodate 6,296 passengers and 2,165 crew members, spanning 16 decks and featuring an extraordinary array of amenities that transformed the concept of cruise ship design and onboard entertainment.

Things to do on the ship:

– The AquaTheater is a stunning open-air performance venue located at the ship’s stern, featuring a deep pool and sophisticated diving platforms.… Read more

Been There – Japan Winter

Been There – Japan Winter is the fourth special edition Japan mug. As you remember, it’s the only country that gets a mug per season on top of the regular one.

Japan transforms into a magical winter landscape during the cold months, offering a unique blend of traditional customs and exciting seasonal activities that captivate both locals and visitors. From snow festivals to hot springs and winter cuisine, the season brings out some of the most enchanting aspects of Japanese culture.… Read more

Been There – Sanya

Been There – Sanya is a mug for a picturesque coastal city located at the southernmost tip of Hainan Island, China. Strategically positioned in the South China Sea, the city has long been an important maritime and cultural center, with its origins tracing back to the Han Dynasty when it was first established as a significant settlement. Geographically, Sanya is characterized by its stunning tropical landscape, featuring pristine beaches, lush mountains, and a warm climate that attracts tourists from around the world.… Read more

Been There – Changsha

Been There – Changsha is a mug for the city in the heart of the Hunan Province of China. Originally established during the Warring States period, the city emerged as a crucial cultural and political center in ancient China. Its strategic location along the Xiang River made it a significant hub for trade and military campaigns. Throughout successive dynasties, Changsha developed as an important administrative and economic center, with particular prominence during the Han Dynasty. The city gained additional historical significance as the birthplace of Mao Zedong, the founder of modern China, further cementing its place in the nation’s revolutionary narrative.… Read more

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