Been There Ornament – Chongqing
Been There Ornament – Chongqing accompanies the bigger mug and comes in a set with the China (country) ornament. I made a small review of the landmarks here.
Tag: China
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Been There Ornament – China
Been There Ornament China is hands down the best-looking ornament from this series. Similarly to the bigger mug, its design uses bold red and gold colors. As a reminder, all Been There Ornaments from Mainland China come in pairs: one country ornament and one city ornament. With that being said, if you decide to collect all the Mainland China ornaments, you are going to end up with multiples of China (country) ones.
Check this post out, where I go into more detail on different boxes for YAH and BeenThere ornaments.… Read more
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 – 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
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
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
Been There – Wuhan
Been There – Wuhan is a mug for the capital of Hubei province in central China, with a history dating back over 3,500 years. Originally a series of three towns—Wuchang, Hankou, and Hanyang—it became a pivotal site for trade and transportation due to its strategic location at the confluence of the Yangtze and Han rivers. Throughout Chinese history, Wuhan has been a center of political and military significance, notably during the 1911 Wuchang Uprising, which played a crucial role in the downfall of the Qing Dynasty and the establishment of the Republic of China.… Read more
Been There – Xi’an
Here is Been There – Xi’an mug for one of China’s oldest cities, a vibrant historical epicenter of the country. Once known as Chang’an, it was the capital for several of China’s most significant dynasties, including the Zhou, Qin, Han, and Tang. This city’s historical prominence is epitomized by the famed Terracotta Army, which guards the tomb of Emperor Qin Shi Huang, the first Emperor of China. Xi’an was also the eastern terminus of the Silk Road, facilitating cultural, commercial, and technological exchanges between East and West for centuries.… Read more
Been There – Chengdu
Been There – Chengdu is the mug for the capital of Sichuan Province in southwestern China, boasts a rich historical legacy dating back over 4,000 years. As one of the cradles of Chinese civilization, it was a significant cultural and political center during the ancient Shu Kingdom, long before the Qin dynasty unified China. Archaeological discoveries, such as the Jinsha Site, have unearthed artifacts that testify to Chengdu’s ancient prosperity and cultural richness. During the Han dynasty, Chengdu was known as a major hub of commerce and industry, particularly noted for its production of brocade, which earned it the nickname “Brocade City.” Throughout the Tang and Song dynasties, Chengdu continued to flourish as a cultural and literary center, contributing significantly to Chinese poetry and art.… Read more
Been There – Xiamen
Starbucks Been There – Xiamen is a mug for a coastal city in southeastern China. Historically known as Amoy, it emerged as a vital port during the Song Dynasty, flourishing through maritime trade. The city played a significant role during the Ming Dynasty as a defense base against pirates and later as a key site during the First Opium War. Its colonial legacy is evident in the Gulangyu Island, a UNESCO World Heritage site, reflecting a blend of Western and Eastern architectural styles.… Read more
