Serial number: 2004-25
Values in set: 2
Denomination: 160 fen
Date of issue: October 8, 2004
Designer: Pedro Sanchez(Spain)
Size of stamp: 30*40mm
Perforation: 13.5*13
Sheet composition:
16 for Sheet I;
10 for Sheet II(5 sets)
Printing process: Gravure
Printer: Beijing Postage Stamp Printing House

This special stamp set, City Architecture, was issued on October 8, 2004. It consists of two stamps with a total face value of 1.60 yuan, with both large sheet and miniature sheet formats issued concurrently. The stamps were designed by Spanish designer Pedro Sánchez, with Shi Yuan serving as the responsible editor, and printed by Beijing Stamp Printing Works using the photogravure process. The stamps measure 30×40 mm, with a perforation gauge of 13.5×13 degrees. This is a joint stamp issue between China and Spain, featuring representative city landmarks from both countries, contrasting modern architecture with classic artistic buildings, symbolizing cultural exchange and friendly relations between China and Spain.

China and Spain established formal diplomatic relations in 1973, and since then, economic and cultural exchanges have grown increasingly close. Architecture is a direct expression of a city's spirit. Modern skyscrapers represent the dynamic power of urban development, while distinctive artistic buildings embody the unique cultural creativity of a region. This joint issue features a modern supertall building from Shanghai and a classic park architecture designed by Gaudí in Barcelona. One represents the new face of contemporary urban development in China, the other embodies the romantic and imaginative design language of the Art Nouveau movement in Europe. These two distinct architectural styles engage in a dialogue on the stamp, presenting a direct comparison of aesthetic differences between two civilizations and serving as a cultural bridge for cross-cultural understanding and friendship.

Stamp Designs and Historical Background

Jin Mao Tower

Located in the Lujiazui Financial District of Pudong, Shanghai, the Jin Mao Tower is an iconic skyscraper of 1990s Shanghai. Its architectural design incorporates the layered, tapering form of ancient Chinese pagodas, combining modern skyscraper grandeur with traditional cultural imagery. The stamp features the Jin Mao Tower as the visual center, with the Oriental Pearl Tower in the background, presenting a complete view of Pudong's modern skyline and recording the rapid rise of Shanghai during the reform and opening-up era.

Park Güell

Located in Barcelona, Spain, Park Güell was designed by the architect Antoni Gaudí and is a classic example of Art Nouveau urban park architecture. The park features extensive mosaics of broken ceramic tiles, with whimsical and imaginative tower forms and vibrant, bold colors. It is a masterpiece of modern Spanish architecture, filled with natural charm and boundless creativity.

Artistic and Design Features

The vertical format uses a bright and concise illustration style. The two buildings are presented with different visual languages—one realistic, the other decorative—creating a striking contrast. The overall design is clean and fresh, minimizing background elements to focus on the architectural forms. The photogravure printing provides vibrant and transparent colors. The stamps incorporate multiple anti-counterfeiting features, including security paper, security ink, and fluorescent spray codes. The miniature sheet features a staggered layout with silhouettes of landmarks from both countries on the border, enhancing the commemorative atmosphere of this joint issue.

This stamp set is a special issue on the theme of city landmarks and international joint issues, including a miniature sheet, suitable for thematic collections on joint stamp issues and modern architecture.