Scott No: -
Serial number: 2022-25
Values in set: 4
Date of issue: November 5, 2022
Denomination: 480 fen
Designer: Zeng Xiaolian
Size of stamps: 50 * 30 mm
Perforation: 13
Sheet composition: 12 (Value 1, 2 in Sheet 1; Value 3, 4 in Sheet 2)
Size of sheet: 180 * 190 mm
Printing process: Offset
Printing House: Liaoning Provincal Shenyang Postage Printing Works

China Post scheduled the issuance of a set of 4 special stamps themed "Pigeons" on November 5, 2022. The designs of the stamps are respectively titled: Rock Pigeon, Wood Pigeon (Columba palumbus), Snow Pigeon, and Speckled Wood Pigeon. The total face value of the whole set of stamps is 4.80 yuan, and the planned circulation of the stamp set is 6.5 million sets.

Pigeons, with their graceful appearance and gentle temperament, are beloved in both Eastern and Western cultures. In Western culture, pigeons are regarded as symbols of peace, love, and equality; while in Chinese culture, they stand as emblems of faithfulness, justice, and family harmony. In major cities today, raising square pigeons has become a trend, and the image of pigeons is gaining increasing popularity and affection among people.

Taxonomically, pigeons belong to the Columbidae family of the Columbiformes order in the Aves class. There are 10 species of wild pigeons (genus Columba) in China, and this set of stamps features four of them, namely Rock Pigeon, Wood Pigeon (Columba palumbus), Snow Pigeon, and Speckled Wood Pigeon. The stamp artworks adopt the style of scientific animal painting to meticulously depict the habitats and physical forms of the pigeons, vividly presenting the wild living conditions of the four pigeon species and fully demonstrating the natural and harmonious beauty of the depicted birds.

This set of stamps was designed by Mr. Zeng Xiaolian and printed by Liaoning Shenyang Post and Telecommunications Printing Co., Ltd. using offset printing (with partial embossing technology). Multi-color printing endows the pigeons' feathers with bright and glossy hues, while the 3D embossing process makes the pigeon images lifelike and vivid, enhancing the appreciation value of the stamps.