Scott No: 2745
Serial number: 1997-3
Values in set: 1
Date of issue: Li Defu
Designers: January 1,1997
Size: 27*40mm
Perforation: 12
Sheet composition: 28
Printing process: offset

The commemorative stamp Visit China '97, catalog number 1997-3, was issued on January 1, 1997. It consists of one stamp, produced using offset printing. The stamp measures 40×30 mm, with a perforation gauge of 12 degrees. Each sheet contains 28 stamps. It was designed by Li Defu and printed by Henan Post and Telecommunications Printing Factory.

This stamp was issued to promote the "Visit China '97" themed campaign. Following a series of tourism campaigns such as landscape tours and cultural heritage tours, Visit China '97 focused on presenting China's rich natural landscapes, historical sites, and folk customs to domestic and international audiences, attracting tourists from around the world to visit China. The stamp uses the China Tourism emblem combined with the imagery of the Great Wall to showcase China's magnificent mountains and rivers and long civilization to the world, promoting the opening-up of China's tourism industry.

Stamp Design and Historical Background

Visit China '97

The main subject is the China Tourism emblem, the Bronze Galloping Horse, also known as the Galloping Horse Treading on a Flying Swallow. The galloping horse soars through the air, with the silhouette of the Great Wall below. The bronze galloping horse was unearthed from the Leitai Han Tomb in Wuwei, Gansu. It is a fine piece of Han Dynasty bronze art and has been selected as the official emblem of China Tourism, symbolizing the vigorous takeoff of China's tourism industry. The background bears the Chinese and English text "97 China Tourism Year VISIT CHINA." The Great Wall is a landmark landscape of the Chinese nation, representing China's vast territory and profound history. The combination of the two symbolizes welcoming tourists from around the world to China.

Artistic and Design Features

The stamp background uses a blue-purple gradient, with bright and modern colors. The galloping horse graphic is simple and striking, with smooth and powerful lines. It integrates the image of an ancient artifact with the symbol of the Great Wall, combining traditional elements with international text, balancing national characteristics with international promotional purposes. The composition is simple and concise, with high visual recognition. It is a classic work in the category of tourism promotion stamps.