Scott No: 3044-47
Date of issue: July 15, 2000
Serial Number: 2000-14
Price for the miniature sheet: 8 RMB
Standard of stamp: 50*30 mm
Standard of the sheet: 153*82 mm
Perforation: 12
Process: offset
Designer: Yang Wenqing
Designer of FDC and postmark: Tian Zhan'ao
Factory: Beijing Stamp Factory

The special stamp set Mount Lao was issued on July 15, 2000. It consists of four stamps with a total face value of 5.20 yuan. It was designed by Yang Wenqing and printed by Beijing Stamp Printing Works using the photogravure process. A souvenir sheet was also issued. Mount Lao is located on the coast of the Yellow Sea in Qingdao, Shandong. It is the highest mountain along China's coastline and a famous Taoist mountain. The stamp set features four representative landscapes of Mount Lao, integrating the wonders of mountains and sea with Taoist cultural relics, and showcasing the mountain and water scenery of this immortal mountain on the sea across the four seasons.

Mount Lao has been known since ancient times as the "First Famous Mountain on the Sea." It combines the magnificent natural scenery of a coastal mountain with a long Taoist cultural heritage. The stamp set features four classic scenes in sequence: the main peak, the bay, the stream valley, and the Taoist temple, corresponding to the scenery of the four seasons. It integrates mountain and sea wonders, streams, forests, and thousand-year-old Taoist temples, showcasing the unique geographical feature of Mount Lao where mountains and sea meet, carrying the profound accumulation of Taoist culture, and conveying the unique mood of a mountain and sea immortal realm.

Stamp Designs and Historical Background

Jufeng Peak

The stamp depicts Jufeng Peak, the main peak of Mount Lao. The peaks are layered, with jagged rocks and clouds and mist swirling among the mountains. Jufeng Peak, also known as Laoding, is the highest peak of Mount Lao. Its granite peak forest landform is majestic and precipitous. From the summit, visitors can overlook the Yellow Sea. It is the core representative of Mount Lao's natural landscape.

Yangkou Bay

The stamp shows the coastal scenery of Yangkou Bay, with blue sea and golden sand, and scattered sea cliffs and reefs where mountains meet the sea. Yangkou Bay is located in the eastern part of Mount Lao. Its coastline is winding, and the mountains meet the sea directly. It is a landmark landscape of Mount Lao where mountains and sea blend, fully displaying the unique beauty of a coastal mountain.

Beijiushui

The stamp depicts the Beijiushui stream valley, with clear springs flowing among the rocks and lush green trees. Beijiushui is a canyon water system in the central part of Mount Lao. The stream winds through nine bends following the mountain terrain. The stream, strange rocks, and green trees complement one another. It is famous for its serene stream valley water scenery and is a classic scenic spot of Mount Lao.

Taiqing Palace

The stamp presents the Taiqing Palace complex in winter. The ancient temple is hidden in the mountain forest, with snow covering the tiles and accompanied by green pines. Taiqing Palace is the oldest Taoist temple on Mount Lao. It was first built in the Western Han Dynasty and is the ancestral temple of the Suishan sect of Quanzhen Taoism. It preserves a large number of ancient trees and historical sites and is the core carrier of Mount Lao's Taoist culture.

Artistic and Design Features

The stamp set uses the expressive form of Chinese landscape painting. The colors change with the scenery of the four seasons, with rich and delicate layers. The photogravure printing is transparent and soft, accurately expressing the texture of rocks, the flow of clouds and mist, and the transparency of seawater. The four stamps—one peak, one bay, one stream, and one temple—present the scenery of Mount Lao in spring, summer, autumn, and winter respectively. Natural landscapes and cultural ancient buildings complement each other, fully outlining the complete image of the "Immortal Mountain on the Sea." It is an outstanding work in the category of famous Chinese mountain scenery stamps.