Tag: China

Been There Ornament – Wuxi

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Been There Ornament – Wuxi accompanies the bigger mug that we’ve reviewed today, see this post. Like all Been There ornaments from China, it comes as a set of two, paired with the country ornament. It’s a bit inconvenient if you’re trying to collect all the cities, but that’s just how it is.

The ornament showcases most of the landmarks featured in the full-size mug design, but I’d like to mention these three additional symbols:

– The A Fu clay figurines, depicting a boy and a girl, are a popular form of Huishan clay figurines from Wuxi, symbolizing good fortune and happiness.… Read more

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Been There – Wuxi

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Starbucks Been There – Wuxi is a mug for a city located in Jiangsu Province. Wuxi is one of China’s oldest cities, with a history dating back over 3,000 years. It was once a vital center for the Wu Kingdom during the Spring and Autumn Period. Known for its early prosperity in rice cultivation and silk production, Wuxi grew into a major commercial hub by the Ming and Qing dynasties. Its name, meaning “without tin,” reflects the depletion of local tin mines that once drove its early economy.… Read more

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Been There – Yantai

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Been There – Yantai is a mug for a city located on the northeastern coast of China’s Shandong Peninsula. Known as a vital port and cultural hub, Yantai’s history dates back thousands of years. It played a significant role during the Ming Dynasty as a coastal defense center against pirates and foreign invaders. The city’s name, which means “Beacon Tower,” originates from the watchtowers built to signal approaching threats. In the late 19th century, Yantai became an important treaty port, attracting foreign influence and fostering international trade.… Read more

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Been There – Kunming

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Been There – Kunming is a mug for the capital of Yunnan Province in China, which has long been a vital hub for cultural exchange and trade. Known as the “City of Eternal Spring” for its mild climate, it played a key role in the ancient Southern Silk Road, connecting China to Southeast Asia and beyond. The city’s architectural heritage, from traditional pagodas to historic temples, reflects the diverse influences that have shaped its development over time.

From the design of the mug:

Stone Forest (Shilin National Park) is renowned for its towering limestone formations that resemble a vast, petrified forest.… Read more

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Been There – Tianjin

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Been There – Tianjin is a mug for a city filled to the brim with history, trade, and resilience. Once a crucial port along the Grand Canal, it became a gateway for foreign powers in the 19th century, shaping its blend of Eastern and Western architecture. From the Opium Wars to the Boxer Rebellion, Tianjin has witnessed the turbulence of modern Chinese history, yet it endures as a vibrant metropolis, where colonial-era concessions stand beside soaring skyscrapers, whispering stories of a past that refuses to be forgotten.… Read more

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Been There – Hefei

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Been There – Hefei is the mug for the capital of Anhui Province, which has a rich history dating back over 2,000 years. It was a strategic military and administrative center during the Three Kingdoms period, notably linked to the famous general Zhang Liao’s victory at the Battle of Hefei. Over the centuries, the city evolved under various dynasties, serving as a hub of commerce and culture. During the Ming and Qing dynasties, Hefei became known for its scholars and officials, contributing to China’s intellectual and political landscape.… Read more

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Been There – Qingdao

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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

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Been There – Guilin

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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

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Been There – Harbin

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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

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Been There – Sanya

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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

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