Scott No: 3463-64
Serial number: 2005-28
Values in set: 6
Date of issue: November 13, 2005
Denomination: 480 fen
Designer:
Size of stamps: 30*40 mm
Perforation: 13
Sheet composition:
Sheet I, 10(10 * item 1);
Sheet II, 10(2 * item 2,3,4,5,6)
Sheet III, 10(2 sets, sticking)
Printing process: Photogravure
Printing House: Beijing Postage Stamp Printing Works

This commemorative stamp set, The 29th Olympic Games – Emblem and Mascots, was issued on November 12, 2005. It consists of six stamps with a total face value of 4.80 yuan, designed by Wang Huming, with Zhao Lei serving as the responsible editor, and printed by Beijing Stamp Printing Works using the photogravure process. The five Fuwa mascots are printed in a horizontal continuous format.

The 2008 Beijing Olympics marked the first time China hosted the Summer Olympic Games. In 2005, the official emblem and the five Fuwa mascots were unveiled. The emblem combines traditional Chinese seal script and calligraphy with a running human figure. The five Fuwa are inspired by the fish, giant panda, Olympic flame, Tibetan antelope, and Beijing swallow kite. Their names together form the phrase "Beijing welcomes you," blending traditional Chinese culture, natural life, and the Olympic spirit. This stamp set was issued on the occasion of the 1000-day countdown to the Games, expressing the nation's eager anticipation for the Olympics and conveying the Olympic vision of "One World, One Dream."

Stamp Designs and Historical Background

Emblem

The main design features the "Chinese Seal – Dancing Beijing," a red seal stamp that transforms into a dancing human figure, also evoking the Chinese character "京" (Beijing). Below are the words "Beijing 2008" and the Olympic rings, combining traditional seal carving art with the spirit of modern sport.

Beibei

Beibei is inspired by the fish, with a blue color scheme, symbolizing prosperity. The design draws from traditional Chinese New Year paintings and represents rivers and seas, corresponding to the blue Olympic ring.

Jingjing

Jingjing is inspired by the giant panda, with a charming black-and-white appearance. It symbolizes happiness and represents the black Olympic ring.

Huanhuan

Huanhuan is inspired by the Olympic flame, with a fiery red color, symbolizing passion and representing the red Olympic ring.

Yingying

Yingying is inspired by the Tibetan antelope, with a lively orange-yellow color, symbolizing health and representing the yellow Olympic ring.

Nini

Nini is inspired by the Beijing swallow kite, with a light green color, symbolizing good luck and representing the green Olympic ring.

Artistic and Design Features

The stamps feature a clean and elegant background, with round and lively Fuwa characters in bright and vivid colors. The five mascots are arranged in a horizontal continuous format, forming a unified group. The photogravure printing provides saturated and delicate colors, with lively and adorable images. The stamps incorporate multiple anti-counterfeiting features, including security paper, security ink, and fluorescent spray codes. The set blends rich Chinese cultural charm with the vitality of the Olympic theme.

This stamp set is a commemorative issue on the theme of the Beijing Summer Olympics, suitable for Olympic collections and sports culture-themed collections.