Scott No:
Serial number: 2008-28
Values in set: 1 + 1
Date of issue: December 18, 2008
Denomination: 120 fen + 600 fen
Designer: Wang Huming
Size of stamps: 50 * 30 mm
Perforation: 12 * 11.5
Sheet composition:
16 for Sheet I; 8 for Sheet II
Size of sheet:
240 * 150 mm for Sheet I;
130 * 185 mm for Sheet II
Size of Souvenir Sheet: 120 * 80 mm
Size of S/S Stamp: Diameter 56 mm(Round)
S/S Perforation: 13.5
S/S Printing process: Photogravure
S/S Printing House: Beijing Postage Stamp Printing Works
Printing process of stamp: Offset
Printing House of stamp: Henan Post and Telecommunication Printing Works
Designer: Wang Huming

On December 18, 2008, the commemorative stamp "30th Anniversary of Reform and Opening-Up" (catalog number 2008-28) was officially issued, marking the thirty years from 1978 to 2008. The set consists of one stamp and one souvenir sheet. The stamp (1-1) J "Soaring" has a face value of 1.20 yuan, and the souvenir sheet titled "Splendor" has a face value of 6 yuan. The stamp was designed by Wang Huming, printed by Henan Post and Telecommunications Printing Factory using offset printing, while the souvenir sheet was printed by Beijing Stamp Printing Works using photogravure. A dual souvenir sheet was also issued as a special edition for members.

In December 1978, the Third Plenary Session of the 11th Central Committee of the Communist Party of China was held, officially marking the beginning of reform and opening-up. Over three decades of development, China has achieved remarkable accomplishments in science and technology, transportation, economy, and opening-up. China Post issued this commemorative stamp to review the profound development of reform and opening-up, present the achievements of national modernization over thirty years, embody the spirit of emancipation and pioneering progress, and inspire continued reform and development across society.

Stamp Design and Background:

Soaring

Image: The stamp uses a globe to symbolize economic globalization, incorporating elements such as the Shenzhou spacecraft, the Harmony high-speed train, the Bird's Nest stadium, and forward-advancing arrow symbols, with human silhouettes in the background.
Significance: These elements represent aerospace technology, rail transportation, and urban development. Together, they symbolize China's integration into the world through reform and opening-up, with rapid development across all sectors. The design reflects the people-centered philosophy of continuous innovation and the time span of 1978-2008, marking the thirty-year journey.

Souvenir Sheet – Splendor

Image: The souvenir sheet features a waving red flag in the background, with a large golden number "30" and a circular stamp featuring the Huabiao, with the Great Wall and mountains in the distance.
Significance: The Huabiao represents Chinese civilization, while the Great Wall symbolizes the foundation of the nation. The overall image is grand and inspiring, signifying the transformation of the nation and the glorious chapter of national rejuvenation over thirty years of reform and opening-up. The circular stamp design is relatively rare in modern Chinese stamp issues.

Artistic and Design Features:

The stamp uses a modern composite illustration style with rich colors and concise elements, summarizing achievements across various fields. The souvenir sheet uses traditional red and gold tones, conveying a solemn and grand atmosphere, with the red flag evoking the spirit of the era. The combination of offset printing for the stamp and photogravure for the souvenir sheet creates distinct visual textures. Modern linear elements and traditional Chinese symbols complement each other, balancing the spirit of the times with China's cultural heritage.

This stamp set is a major commemorative issue on a significant historical theme, winning the national Best Stamp of the Year award, with the circular souvenir sheet being a distinctive feature. Available in multiple formats, collectors often pair it with other reform and opening-up themed stamps, such as the 40th anniversary issues, making it a classic item for thematic collections on contemporary historical events.