Scott No: 2531-17
Serial number: 1994-18
Values in set: 6
Souvenir sheet: 1
Date of issue: November 4 , 1994
Designers: Yang Wenqing; LiDefu
Size of stamp: 50*30 mm
Size of S/S: 140*78 mm
Size of S/S stamp: 120*40 mm
Perforation: 12
Sheet composition: 32
Printing process: gravure

The special stamp set The Three Gorges of the Yangtze River, catalog number 1994-18, was issued on November 4, 1994. It consists of six stamps and one souvenir sheet, produced using the photogravure process. The stamps measure 50×30 mm, with a perforation gauge of 12 degrees. Each sheet contains 32 stamps. The souvenir sheet measures 140×78 mm, and the stamp image measures 120×40 mm. The stamps were designed by Yang Wenqing and Li Defu and printed by Beijing Stamp Printing Works.

Thematic Focus of the Set

This set takes the natural landscapes and historical sites along the Yangtze River's Three Gorges as its theme. The Three Gorges stretch from Baidi City in Fengjie in the west to Nanjinguan in Yichang in the east, comprising Qutang Gorge, Wu Gorge, and Xiling Gorge. They are a world-renowned wonder of the Yangtze River gorges. The stamps follow the order of a boat tour along the Yangtze, combining the majestic gorge scenery with cultural relics related to the Three Kingdoms and Chu Ci. At the time of the Three Gorges Dam project's commencement, they capture the original appearance of the Three Gorges before the reservoir was filled, combining landscape documentation with historical tracing and showcasing the character of the Three Gorges where landscapes and cultural heritage coexist.

Stamp Designs and Historical Background

Baidi City

The image depicts Baidi Mountain standing by the river, with the ancient city of Baidi at its summit. Located at the western mouth of Qutang Gorge, it is famous for the stories of Gongsun Shu building the city and Liu Bei entrusting his orphan. It is a landmark historical site of the western Three Gorges, carrying profound Three Kingdoms memory.

Qutang Gorge

The image shows the majestic Kuimen. Sheer cliffs stand facing each other on both banks, and the river narrows. The mountains are steep and magnificent. It is the shortest and most imposing gorge of the Three Gorges. "Kuimen is the most majestic under heaven" is the most classic landscape symbol of the Three Gorges.

Wu Gorge

The image depicts the deep and long gorge scenery of Wu Gorge. The river winds through continuous peaks, with clouds and mist swirling in the mountains and strange peaks scattered about. It is known for its depth and beauty, with a new scene at every step, full of misty poetry.

Goddess Peak

The image focuses on the Goddess Peak among the Twelve Peaks of Wushan. The stone pillar at the summit is tall and solitary, resembling a woman standing by the river. It has been passed down for thousands of years through the legend of the goddess, making it the most romantically mythological peak of Wu Gorge.

Xiling Gorge

The image shows the layered gorges and shoals of Xiling Gorge. It is the longest gorge of the Three Gorges, with dangerous shoals and swift currents. Peaks stretch continuously on both banks. It has been known since ancient times for its numerous dangerous shoals, fully displaying the majestic momentum of the Yangtze surging through the gorges.

Qu Yuan Temple

The image shows the memorial archway gate of Qu Yuan Temple in Zigui. The building stands against the mountain and faces the river, simple and dignified. Qu Yuan was born in Zigui. The temple is an important cultural landmark for later generations to commemorate Qu Yuan and carry on the Chu Ci heritage, adding a profound cultural foundation to the Three Gorges landscape.

Souvenir Sheet: The Three Gorges of the Yangtze River

The souvenir sheet is a horizontal panoramic long scroll, connecting the peaks of Qutang, Wu, and Xiling gorges into one. The vast Yangtze River flows through the gorges, unfolding the complete landscape scroll of the Three Gorges in one continuous sweep, condensing the overall character of the Three Gorges—"majestic, beautiful, and precipitous."

Artistic and Design Features

The set uses the expressive form of Chinese landscape painting, combining light watercolor with Chinese painting texture strokes (cunfa). Clouds and mist balance solid and void, the rocks and mountains have rich layers, and the tones are warm and substantial. The six stamps progress from west to east along the river, alternating natural landscapes and cultural relics, with a narrative order that matches the experience of a boat tour. The souvenir sheet provides a panoramic conclusion, with a grand and expansive composition. It is a classic representative work in the category of scenery stamps recording the original appearance of the old Three Gorges.