Scott No: 2544
Serial number: 1994-20
Values in set: 5
Date of issue: December 10, 1994
Designers: Wang Zhenhua; Chen Xiaocong
Size of stamp: 40*30 mm
Perforation: 12
Sheet composition: 50(Se-tenant)
Printing process: offset

The commemorative stamp set Special Economic Zones, catalog number 1994-20, was issued on December 10, 1994. It consists of five stamps, produced using offset printing. The stamps measure 40×30 mm, with a perforation gauge of 12 degrees. Each sheet contains 50 stamps, printed as a horizontal continuous strip of five. The stamps were designed by Wang Zhenhua and Chen Xiaocong and printed by Shenyang Post and Telecommunications Printing Factory in Liaoning Province.

Thematic Focus of the Set

This stamp set features China's five major special economic zones: Shenzhen, Zhuhai, Shantou, Xiamen, and Hainan. The special economic zones are China's pioneering testing grounds for opening-up, carrying the era's mission of piloting reforms and breaking new ground. Using each zone's iconic urban sculpture paired with the appearance of new city buildings, the stamps showcase the vigorous rise of the special economic zones over more than a decade and document the magnificent course of reform and opening-up, highlighting the pioneering spirit of the special economic zones.

Stamp Designs and Historical Background

Shenzhen

The main subject is the "Pioneering Ox" sculpture, with rows of modern high-rise buildings in the background. The Pioneering Ox is the symbol of Shenzhen's spirit, representing pioneering, practical work, and struggle. It bears witness to the miracle of this border town rapidly growing into a modern metropolis.

Zhuhai

The main subject is the "Zhuhai Fisher Girl" sculpture. The fisher girl holds a pearl and stands by the sea, backed by the blue sea, hillside villas, and urban buildings. It reflects Zhuhai's coastal livable character and its harmony with mountains and sea, making it Zhuhai's most classic urban symbol.

Shantou

The main subject is the soaring "Tengfei" sculpture, paired with the city's new appearance. The sculpture's form stretches upward, symbolizing Shantou relying on its advantages as a hometown of overseas Chinese to seize opening-up opportunities and rise and develop steadily.

Xiamen

The visual center is the "Egret" sculpture. The egret is the symbol of Xiamen. The background features a cross-sea bridge and urban landscape, integrating southern Fujian regional characteristics with the construction appearance of a coastal open city.

Hainan

The focus is the "Deer Turning Its Head" sculpture, based on a Li ethnic folk love legend. Coconut trees, sailboats, and modern buildings surround it, reflecting Hainan's tropical island charm and marking Hainan's new chapter of development after the province was established and the special economic zone was created.

Artistic and Design Features

The set uses a realistic decorative painting style, with bright and vivid colors. Each stamp follows the unified composition formula of "iconic urban sculpture + new urban appearance." The five stamps are connected horizontally, creating a visually coherent and unified effect. The sculptures serve as condensed carriers of the special economic zones' spirit, combined with modern urban construction landscapes, intuitively showcasing the tremendous changes brought by opening-up. The set is rich in contemporary atmosphere and is a classic commemorative stamp reflecting the achievements of reform and opening-up.