Scott No: 2166-69
Serial number: T130
Values in set: 4
Date of issue: September 14, 1988
Denomination: 128 fen
Designers: Zhang Jiping
Engraver: Gao Pinzhang, Sun Hongnian, Yan binwu, Hu Zhengyuan
Size of stamps: 54*40mm
Perforation: 11
Sheet composition: 28(4*7)
Printing process: Engraving and photogravure
Printing House: Beijing Postage Stamp Printing Works

T130 "Mount Tai" special stamps were issued on September 14, 1988. The set consists of 4 stamps, printed by photogravure combined with engraving, with a stamp size of 54 × 40 mm, perforation gauge 11, and 28 stamps per sheet (4 × 7). Designed by Zhang Jiping, engraved by Gao Pinzhang, Sun Hongnian, Yan Bingwu, and Hu Zhenyuan, and printed by the Beijing Stamp Factory.

Theme of the Set

Mount Tai is the Eastern Great Mountain and the first of the Five Great Mountains, known in ancient times as Daizong. Since antiquity it has been the sacred site for imperial sacrifices to Heaven and Earth, combining majestic natural scenery with profound cultural heritage of stone inscriptions and ancient architecture. This set is the opening of the Five Great Mountains stamp series, selecting four representative landscapes of Mount Tai and unfolding them in sequence from the ancient buildings at the foot of the mountain, to the perilous climbing path, to the cliff inscriptions at the summit, and to the wonder at the very top. It showcases the core temperament of Mount Tai—"majesty"—and carries the cultural meaning of national peace and prosperity, setting the stage for the subsequent stamps of Mount Hua, Mount Heng, Mount Heng, and Mount Song.

Stamp Designs and Historical Background

Clear Snow at the Dai Temple

The image shows the Dai Temple after snow, with the Tiankuang Hall ancient and dignified, ancient cypresses vigorous, and distant mountains wrapped in white. The Dai Temple is the largest ancient architectural complex on Mount Tai and the place where emperors of successive dynasties held grand sacrifices to Heaven and Earth and offered sacrifices to the god of Mount Tai. The post-snow scene is quiet and solemn.

Coiling Path to Heaven

The image depicts the Eighteen Bends, with tiered stone steps like a cloud ladder embedded in the steep cliff, winding upward straight to the South Heavenly Gate, with clouds and mist swirling on both sides. The Eighteen Bends is the most famous perilous path for climbing Mount Tai; its steps are dense and steep, and it is the landmark section of the ascent.

Grand View Peak

The image shows Grand View Peak at the top of Mount Tai, with the cliff face covered in inscriptions from successive dynasties, among which the "First of the Five Great Mountains" inscription stands out prominently. The Grand View Peak inscriptions gather numerous ancient inscriptions and are the essence of Mount Tai's stone inscription culture.

Sea of Clouds and Sunrise

The image depicts the sea of clouds and sunrise at the Sun Viewing Peak of Mount Tai, with the rising sun newly emerging and a vast sea of clouds surging, the mountain ranges hidden among the cloud waves. It is the first of the four great wonders of Mount Tai.

Artistic Design Features

The set adopts the style of traditional Chinese landscape painting combined with the photogravure-plus-engraving process. The engraved lines are solid and firm, accurately expressing the weighty texture of the rocks, while the photogravure washes set off the虚实 changes of clouds, mist, and snow scenes. The four images run from the mountain's foot to its summit in a continuous route, with deep and heavy ink, vigorous and grand, highlighting the steady and majestic momentum of the Eastern Great Mountain. It is a classic among the Five Great Mountains landscape stamps.