Scott No: 2925-28
Serial number: 1998-28
Values in set: 4
Date of issue: December 12, 1998
Designers: Li Qingfa; Jiang Weijie
Size: 50*30mm
Perforation: 12.5
Sheet composition: 42
Printing process: offset

The special stamp set Macau Architecture, catalog number 1998-28, was issued on December 12, 1998. It consists of four stamps, produced using offset printing. The stamps measure 50×30 mm, with a perforation gauge of 12.5 degrees. Each sheet contains 42 stamps. The stamps were designed by Li Qingfa and Jiang Weijie and printed by Beijing Stamp Printing Works.

This is the second set in the series of stamps welcoming Macau's return to China. It features Macau's modern landmark buildings, showcasing the new appearance of Macau's urban construction in the late 20th century. Macau has been Chinese territory since ancient times. Along with economic development, major urban infrastructure, cross-sea transportation, and airport facilities were successively completed. The stamps present Macau's modern urban vitality from four dimensions: urban districts, bridges, sports venues, and the international airport, bearing witness to the city's prosperity and development on the eve of its return.

Stamp Designs and Historical Background

Nam Van Building Complex, Macau

The image shows the modern building complex in the Nam Van area of the Macau Peninsula. Nam Van was originally sea area and was formed into a new urban district through land reclamation. With numerous high-rise buildings and prosperous commerce, it is a representative area of Macau's urban renewal, reflecting the bustling urban character of this coastal city.

Macau Friendship Bridge

The design presents the Friendship Bridge, also known as the New Macau-Taipa Bridge, which crosses the sea to connect the Macau Peninsula and Taipa Island. Completed in 1993, the bridge has a broad deck and simple, grand bridge towers. It is an important cross-sea passage in Macau, greatly facilitating traffic between the peninsula and the islands.

Macau Stadium

The main subject is the Macau Stadium on Taipa Island. The stadium has surrounding stands and an expansive field, capable of hosting large-scale sporting events and public gatherings. It is an important large-scale public cultural and sports facility in Macau, carrying the city's cultural and sports functions.

Macau International Airport

The design depicts Macau International Airport. The airport was built on an artificial island runway through land reclamation, making it a massive infrastructure project in Macau. The airport officially opened to traffic in 1995, opening up Macau's external air corridor and promoting commercial, trade, and tourism exchanges.

Artistic and Design Features

The stamp set uses a light-color realistic painting style. The tones are light and soft, with a pale background setting off the main buildings. The four stamps present the urban building complex, cross-sea bridge, sports venue, and aviation hub in sequence, covering different sectors of urban life, transportation, and public facilities. The architectural forms are concise and refined, with the sea surface dotted in the distance, enhancing the coastal city character and intuitively presenting Macau's achievements in modern construction.