Scott No: 2886
Serial number: 1998-17
Values in set: 4
Date of issue: August 15, 1998
Designers: Lin Yan
Size of stamp: 50*30mm
Perforation: 12
Sheet composition: 16
Printing process: offset

The special stamp set Jingpo Lake, catalog number 1998-17, was issued on August 15, 1998. It consists of four stamps, produced using offset printing. The stamps measure 50×30 mm, with a perforation gauge of 12 degrees. Each sheet contains 16 stamps, printed as a horizontal continuous strip of four. The stamps were designed by Lin Yan and printed by Shenyang Post and Telecommunications Printing Factory in Liaoning Province.

This stamp set features Jingpo Lake in Ning'an, Heilongjiang. It is a high-mountain barrier lake formed when lava from a volcanic eruption blocked a river channel. It is also the largest volcanic barrier lake in China. The stamps feature four representative landscapes from the eight scenic spots of Jingpo Lake. Using a continuous scroll format, they showcase the lake's mountains, islands, reefs, and waterfalls, displaying the unique natural beauty of northeastern volcanic lakes and documenting the distinctive geological landscape of this northern land of mountains and waters.

Stamp Designs and Historical Background

Baishi Lazi

The image shows two steep stone cliffs on the lake shore. The white rocks rise high, plunging directly into the lake, with green trees on the mountain body. Baishi Lazi is an iconic lakeside cliff of Jingpo Lake. The lake embraces the strange peaks, and green mountains and clear waters complement each other. It is the most classic lake-and-mountain landscape of Jingpo Lake.

Zhenzhu Gate (Pearl Gate)

Two small reef islands stand in the lake, facing each other like a gate. According to legend, this area was rich in pearls in ancient times, hence the name. The water surface is broad and calm, with islands dotted in the lake. The lake light is serene, full of mythological and legendary color, fully displaying the tranquil and beautiful lake scenery of Jingpo Lake.

Xiaogushan (Little Lonely Mountain)

The small island in the lake is exquisite and small, isolated above the blue waves. The island is lush with trees and has a distinctive outline. Xiaogushan is a pocket-sized island in Jingpo Lake. Viewed from afar, it seems to lie quietly in the lake water, surrounded by water on all sides, serene and elegant. It is a well-known scenic spot in the lake center.

Diaoshuilou Waterfall

The image presents a panoramic view of Diaoshuilou Waterfall. Lake water surges down from the lava cliff, with mist churning and a majestic momentum. Diaoshuilou Waterfall is the core landscape of Jingpo Lake and the largest volcanic waterfall in China. The lava plateau has created a unique waterfall landform, fully displaying the magnificent posture of a northern flying waterfall.

Artistic and Design Features

The set is a horizontal four-stamp continuous scroll. The four images connect end to end, like a complete landscape scroll. The line of sight follows the lake surface from far to near, finally converging on the surging waterfall. The designs use Chinese landscape painting techniques, with warm tones and blue-green colors representing the lake water and mountain forests. The transition from the calm lake to the flying waterfall combines stillness and movement, fully presenting the landscape layers of Jingpo Lake. The continuous format also enhances the continuous narrative quality of the images.