Scott No: -
Serial number: 2016-6
Values in set: 1
Date of issue: April 8, 2016
Denomination: 120 fen
Designer: Liu Zhao, Han Xu
Size of stamps: 30 * 40 mm
Perforation: 13.5
Sheet composition: 20
Sheet Size: 150 * 240 mm
Printing process: Photogravure
Printing House: Beijing Postage Stamp Printing Works

On April 8, 2016, China Post issued a set of commemorative stamps marking the 120th Anniversary of the Founding of Jiaotong University, consisting of 1 stamp with a face value of 1.20 yuan.

The commemorative stamp themed The 120th Anniversary of the Founding of Jiaotong University features the "Gratitude Monument" – a shared cultural symbol of Jiaotong University. It embodies the historical inheritance and cultural accumulation of the five Jiaotong universities, which share the same origin and maintain interconnection and integration. The stamp also implies that the glorious tradition of "never forgetting one's roots" and the educational mission of Jiaotong University will be passed down from generation to generation.

The foreground depicts the monument, which is cast with the university emblem of Jiaotong University and inscribed with the four characters "Yin Shui Si Yuan" (Never Forget Your Roots) on the front of its base – a spiritual symbol cherished by millions of Jiaotong University alumni around the world. This design highlights that Jiaotong University stands as a monument in the development of modern and contemporary China and the nation, and underscores its irreplaceable role in advancing the development of modern higher education in China. It conveys the message that the five Jiaotong universities share the same heritage and are closely linked, carrying forward their century-old legacy and traditions.

The gradient blue background reflects the broad-mindedness and lofty aspirations of Jiaotong University people to embrace inclusiveness and keep a global vision. The interconnected grid pattern above and below embodies the profound connotation of "When heaven and earth interact, all things thrive and communicate unimpeded".

In the upper left corner is the inscription "The 120th Anniversary of the Founding of Jiaotong University (1896-2016)", accompanied by a specially designed graphic of the number "120". Inspired by the anniversary logos of Southwest Jiaotong University and Beijing Jiaotong University, this graphic uses the three letters "JTU" to form a high-speed train in motion. It symbolizes the pivotal role of Southwest Jiaotong University and Beijing Jiaotong University in China's high-speed railway construction, and also represents that the other Jiaotong universities, as comprehensive institutions of higher learning, are the pacesetters and trailblazers in the drive to become world-class universities.

With a distinctive theme, rich connotations and unique characteristics, this stamp emphasizes the expression of Jiaotong University’s century-old legacy and glorious traditions in its design. It adds a brilliant touch to the 120th anniversary celebrations of Jiaotong University, and symbolizes the grand aspiration and mission of uniting the strengths of the five Jiaotong universities to make new contributions to the blueprint of the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation.

Nanyang Public School, Beiyang Railway College and Beijing Railway Administration Training Institute are the three origins of Jiaotong University, with their history dating back to 1896. Today, they have developed into five universities: Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Southwest Jiaotong University, Beijing Jiaotong University and National Chiao Tung University (Hsinchu). Over the past 120 years, Jiaotong University has taken "Prospering Education to Strengthen the Nation" as its own responsibility. It took the lead in establishing disciplines such as telecommunications, civil engineering, electrical engineering, machinery, navigation, railway engineering and management in China, and has cultivated a large number of outstanding talents for the country. In 2016, the five Jiaotong universities across the Taiwan Strait jointly celebrated their 120th anniversary.

On March 30, 2016, a press conference for the commemorative stamps of The 120th Anniversary of the Founding of Jiaotong University and the "Jiaotong University Cultural Development Fund" was held at Beijing Jiaotong University. On April 8, the first-day launch ceremony of the commemorative stamps was held at the square of Building D, the main teaching building of Xi'an Jiaotong University.