Scott No: 1938-1940
Serial number: T97
Values in set: 3
Date of issue: September 11, 1984
Denomination: 38 fen
Designers: Pan Keming
Size of stamps:
30*40mm for Value 1,3;
38.5*31mm for Value 2
Perforation:
11*11.5 for Value 1,3; 11.5 for Value 2
Sheet composition:
50 (10*5) for Value 1,3;
50 (5*10) for Value 2
Printing process: Photogravure
Printing House: Beijing Postage Stamp Printing Works

T97 "The Luan River-to-Tianjin Water Diversion Project" special stamps were issued on September 11, 1984. The set consists of 3 stamps, printed by photogravure, designed by Pan Keming, and printed by the Beijing Stamp Factory. They were issued to commemorate the first anniversary of the project's water supply.

Theme of the Set

The Luan River-to-Tianjin Water Diversion Project is a large-scale inter-basin water transfer project that brings water from the Luan River into Tianjin, ending Tianjin's long history of water shortage and drinking bitter, salty water and safeguarding the city's water for production and daily life. This set records this major livelihood water conservancy project, praises the dedication of the project builders in fearing no hardships and overcoming difficulties, and showcases the major achievements of national water conservancy construction in serving people's livelihood.

Stamp Designs and Historical Background

Sweet Water Enters Tianjin

The main subject of the design is the mother-and-child statue on the Luan River-to-Tianjin Water Diversion Monument at the Sancha River mouth. The mother holds an infant and receives the sweet Luan River water, with Tianjin landmark buildings in the background, symbolizing that the clear, sweet Luan River water flows into the city of Tianjin and benefits thousands of households.

Water Diversion Hub

The image shows the water diversion hub gate of the Daheiting Reservoir, the starting point of the diversion of the Luan River water. The gate and dam are orderly, and the water surges—it is an important control hub of the entire water transmission line.

Tunneling to Divert the Luan River

With the water transmission tunnel in the background, the main subject is a statue of a People's Liberation Army soldier. The mountain-crossing tunnel was the most difficult part of the project; the broad masses of builders and the soldiers of the people's army fought side by side, breaking through the mountain body so that the Luan River water could flow continuously through the mountains to Tianjin.

Artistic Design Features

The set adopts a realistic decorative painting style, with clear blue-green as the main tones, echoing the imagery of water. The three stamps correspond in sequence to the achievement, the hub, and the construction course, with a clear narrative thread. The statues are combined with the actual scenes of the water conservancy project, both paying tribute to the builders and presenting the project's magnificent appearance. It is a classic JT stamp set reflecting people's livelihood construction achievements.