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

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

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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 Ornament – Australia 2

Similar to the bigger v2 mug, this new revised Been There Ornament – Australia v2 is dedicated to surfing and anything related. Also, I couldn’t help but notice that the ornament is a total copy of the bigger mug, with the exception of the two-piece swimsuit missing from the design of the ornament. That is unusual for the Been There Series, where ornaments have fewer elements than full-size mugs.

Surfing culture in Australia is deeply ingrained in the nation’s coastal lifestyle, with its world-famous beaches and surf spots drawing surfers from around the globe.… Read more

Been There Ornament – Australia

Starbucks Been There Ornament Australia is interesting in a way that it comes in a set with other Australian ornaments. You can see it in the picture below, together with the Australia v2 ornament. Yes, it took me so long to get it that Starbucks released a new version of the ornament! I have to admit, I am not a big fan of this type of packaging because, in order to get all the Australian cities, you have to buy multiple country ornaments.… Read more

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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

Been There – Hangzhou

Starbucks Been There Hangzhou is a mug for the capital of Zhejiang province in eastern China. It is a city steeped in history and cultural significance. Renowned for its stunning West Lake, Hangzhou has been a center of culture, politics, and economy since ancient times. It was famously described by the Venetian traveler Marco Polo as “the finest and most splendid city in the world.” During the Southern Song Dynasty (1127–1279), Hangzhou served as the imperial capital, fostering a golden age of art, literature, and commerce.… Read more

Disneyland Hong Kong – World of Frozen

The exciting news is coming from Hong Kong Disneyland, as the brand-new Been There – World of Frozen mug has just been spotted in the park’s “Market House”. This mug looks very similar to the Arendelle mug that was released not so long ago, and I will write a separate post comparing these two mugs soon. Stay tuned!

As for the World of Frozen,  it is a magical themed land that transports visitors into the heart of Arendelle, the kingdom from Disney’s beloved Frozen franchise.… Read more

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

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