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 – 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 – 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 – 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

Been There – Shenyang

Starbucks Been There Shenyang is a mug for a city in Liaoning Province. Historically known as Mukden, it is one of China’s most significant industrial cities, with a rich history spanning over 2,300 years. The city served as the capital of the Later Jin and Qing dynasties before they conquered China proper, making it a crucial center of Manchu culture and power. During the early 20th century, Shenyang became a focal point of Russian and Japanese imperial ambitions, with Japan’s occupation of the city in 1931 serving as a prelude to their invasion of China.… Read more

Been There – Suzhou

Been There – Suzhou is a mug for a city located in eastern China’s Jiangsu province. Founded in 514 BCE during the Spring and Autumn period, it quickly became an important cultural and economic center. The city flourished during the Tang and Song dynasties as a hub for silk production and trade. Suzhou is renowned for its classical gardens, many of which were constructed during the Ming and Qing dynasties and are now UNESCO World Heritage sites. Throughout its long history, the city has been celebrated by poets and artists for its beauty, earning it the nickname “Venice of the East” due to its intricate canal system.… Read more

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 Ornament – Shanghai

Here is the smaller version of the previously reviewed mug for China’s biggest city. Despite its size, Been There Ornament Shanghai still has a lot to offer:

– An intricate depiction of Shanghai’s iconic skyline, showcasing the futuristic silhouettes of the Oriental Pearl Tower and the Shanghai Tower against a vibrant sunset. This dynamic skyline represents the city’s rapid modernization and innovative spirit, making it a symbol of urban sophistication.

The Bund, with its historic colonial architecture stands proudly along the Huangpu River.… 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

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