Giant gift-themed Starbucks debuts in Shenzhen

Oversized red-and-white bows and ribbons transform the Starbucks store at UpperHills in Shenzhen into a giant gift-wrapped present for the holiday season. Photos courtesy of Starbucks

The Starbucks store at UpperHills has been turned into China's first holiday-themed flagship store, standing out across the city as a towering wrapped gift for the winter season.

From a distance, visitors can spot the striking display: the store's facade is framed by an oversized bow and draped with sweeping festive ribbons, turning the whole café into a giant present. Stacked gift boxes around the entrance add to the festive atmosphere, attracting curious passersby.

Beyond the eye-catching exterior, the interior is laid out as a sequence of warm, photo-friendly scenes. Interactive displays are placed throughout the space, encouraging visitors to stop and take photos amid the holiday decor.

Starbucks’ holiday-themed cups, tumblers and other merchandise are displayed beneath a giant red-and-white bow at its UpperHills store.

A highlight of the experience is the return of Starbucks’ popular toffee nut beverages. Each cup comes with a detachable ribbon that customers can take home. The ribbon can be tied around doorknobs, gift packages or wrists — a small keepsake designed to spread holiday joy.

For many visitors, the space is less about checking off a commercial promotion and more about claiming a small winter treat for themselves: a quiet ritual, a warm drink, and a moment of lighthearted comfort amid the busy city.  

Giant red gift boxes and an oversized Starbucks holiday cup decorate the entrance to the UpperHills store in Shenzhen.