Tag: City

You Are Here – České Budějovice

Posted on

The Czech Republic is getting a new release from the beloved YAH series. You Are Here – České Budějovice is a mug for a historic city in the South Bohemian region of the Czech Republic, which is also known as Budweis. Founded in 1265 by the Přemyslid king Ottokar II, it developed rapidly due to its strategic location at the confluence of the Vltava and Malše rivers. The city was granted the privilege of a royal town, boosting its trade and cultural significance.… Read more

0
See more from You Are Here - International

Been There – Oita

Posted on

Been There – Oita is a mug for a city located on the island of Kyushu in Japan. During the Nara period (710–794), Oita flourished as a center of culture and religion, thanks to the influence of Usa Jingu Shrine, one of the most important Shinto shrines in Japan. Throughout the centuries, Oita grew through trade, agriculture, and later, its development into a center for hot spring tourism, a reputation it proudly maintains today.

– One of Oita’s most famous attractions is its playful troop of monkeys at Takasakiyama Monkey Park.… Read more

0
See more from Been There

Been There Ornament – Wuxi

Posted on

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

0
See more from Been There Ornaments

You Are Here Ornament – Baku

Posted on

After months of waiting, I finally got my hands on the new Starbucks You Are Here Ornament – Baku. This latest release could very well be the final addition to the beloved series, making it even more special for collectors.

I very much like the design of this new ornament. It uses a beautiful mix of light blue, pink, and green colors that feel both fresh and nostalgic. The ornament is a miniature replica of the full-sized Baku mug I reviewed previously, keeping the same iconic imagery that defines the city:

– The Fire Temple, or Ateshgah, stands proudly on the outskirts, capturing Baku’s ancient connection to fire worship.… Read more

0
See more from You Are Here Ornament - International

Been There – Wuxi

Posted on

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

0
See more from Been There

Been There – Yantai

Posted on

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

0
See more from Been There

You Are Here – Almaty

Posted on

You Are Here – Almaty is an unexpected release from Kazakhstan, a vast, landlocked country in Central Asia, known for its cultural heritage, diverse landscapes, and rich natural resources. Interestingly enough, Kazakhstan only saw two other releases from the YAH series: the Astana mug and the Kazakhstan ornament.

Almaty, the largest city in the country, has a fascinating history that spans centuries. Originally known as Alma-Ata, which translates to “Father of Apples” in Kazakh, the city’s name reflects its deep connection to the fertile region, famous for its wild apple trees.… Read more

2
See more from You Are Here - International

Been There – Kunming

Posted on

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

0
See more from Been There

Been There – Gifu

Posted on

Been There – Gifu is a mug for a city located in central Japan. It boasts a rich history that dates back over 1,000 years. Known as a strategic hub during the Sengoku period, Gifu was famously ruled by the powerful warlord Oda Nobunaga, who renamed the city from Inokuchi to Gifu, symbolizing his ambition to unify Japan. The city flourished as a center of politics and commerce, with Gifu Castle serving as a key stronghold. Additionally, Gifu is renowned for its traditional cormorant fishing on the Nagara River, a practice that has been preserved for over 1,300 years, reflecting the city’s deep cultural heritage.… Read more

0
See more from Been There

You Are Here – Torun

Posted on

You Are Here – Toruń is a mug for a city steeped in history, where cobbled streets echo the past. Known for being the birthplace of the famous astronomer Nicolaus Copernicus, Torun’s medieval architecture and well-preserved Old Town are UNESCO World Heritage Sites. The city is a living museum, showcasing its rich heritage through landmarks like the Gothic-style Torun Cathedral and the imposing Teutonic Castle. Its history, dating back to the 13th century, intertwines with the development of science, trade, and culture, making Torun a fascinating destination for history enthusiasts.… Read more

0
See more from You Are Here - International
1 2 3 … 52