Scott No:
Serial number: 2008-8
Values in set: 2
Date of issue: April 12, 2008
Denomination: 240 fen
Designer: Li Zhihong
Size of stamps: 50 * 30 mm
Perforation: 13 * 13.5
Sheet composition: 16 ( 8 sets )
Size of Sheet: 240 * 150 mm
Printing process: Photogravure
Printing House: Beijing Postage Stamp Printing Works

On April 12, 2008, the special stamp "Sutong Yangtze River Highway Bridge" (catalog number 2008-8) was officially issued, coinciding with the opening day of the bridge. The set consists of two stamps, each with a face value of 1.20 yuan, for a total face value of 2.40 yuan. The stamps were designed by Li Zhihong and printed by Beijing Stamp Printing Works using the photogravure process.

The Sutong Yangtze River Bridge spans between Changshu, Suzhou in southern Jiangsu and Nantong in northern Jiangsu, with a total length of 32.4 kilometers. At the time of its completion, it was the world's largest-span cable-stayed bridge with twin towers and double cable planes. It set four world records: the longest main span, the deepest foundation, the tallest bridge tower, and the longest stay cables. This bridge represents a milestone in China's bridge engineering technology. It connects the southern and northern parts of Jiangsu across the Yangtze River, improving the national highway network and promoting coordinated development in the Yangtze River Delta region. The stamps present the bridge in a two-stamp continuous format, integrating the modern engineering marvel with the historical and cultural landscapes along the Yangtze River, documenting China's major achievements in bridge construction and showcasing the country's independent innovation in infrastructure.

Stamp Designs and Historical Background:

Sutong Yangtze River Highway Bridge (North)

Image: The stamp features the northern tower of the bridge and the river channel, with Langshan Mountain and Zhiyun Pagoda in Nantong in the background.
Significance: Langshan Mountain is a well-known scenic spot along the northern bank of the Yangtze River. The combination of the modern bridge with the thousand-year-old Nantong landmark symbolizes the bridge's role in connecting Nantong. A large cargo ship on the river highlights the coexistence of navigation and the bridge crossing.

Sutong Yangtze River Highway Bridge (South)

Image: The stamp features the southern tower and the expansive stay cables, with the Yushan Gate in Changshu in the background.
Significance: Yushan Gate is a historical landmark in Changshu, representing the cultural heritage of southern Jiangsu. The two stamps, when joined, form a complete panoramic view of the bridge, achieving the design concept of "separate images that stand alone, but together form a continuous scroll."

Artistic and Design Features:

The set features a uniform horizontal borderless format with a light blue color scheme, evoking the atmosphere of the Yangtze River. The design clearly distinguishes the main subject from the background: the bridge is rendered in realistic colors, while the ancient buildings on both banks are depicted in monochrome sketch style, creating a clear contrast between modern and ancient elements. The two-stamp continuous format is the highlight of the set, with a coherent composition that accurately captures the mechanical beauty of the stay cables. The blend of realistic and abstract elements balances the engineering grandeur with the cultural heritage of the Jiangnan region. The printing is detailed, with precise depictions of river light and cable lines, combining documentary realism with artistic expression.

This stamp set is a modern major bridge engineering-themed special issue and a representative item for Yangtze River bridges. The distinctive horizontal two-stamp continuous format is highly recognizable. Available in stamp set and large sheet formats, collectors often pair it with other bridge-themed stamps, such as the Nanjing Yangtze River Bridge and the Runyang Yangtze River Bridge, making it an important issue for thematic collections on transportation infrastructure.