Scott No: 3297-9
Serial number: 2003-21
Values in set: 3
Denomination: 3.60 yuan
Date of issue: 20th August 2003
Designer: Chen Nan
Size of stamps: 50*30 mm
Perforation: 12
Sheet composition:
16 for Sheet I, 9 for Sheet II
Printing process: Offset
Printer: Beijing Postage Stamp Printing House

This is a set of three special stamps titled The Three Gorges Project – Power Generation, issued on August 20, 2003, with a total face value of 3.60 yuan, designed by Chen Nan and printed by Beijing Stamp Printing Works using offset printing.

The Three Gorges Project on the Yangtze River is a comprehensive water conservancy project of massive scale, combining multiple benefits such as flood control, power generation, and navigation. In 2003, the second phase of the Three Gorges Project achieved major milestones: reservoir impoundment, navigation through the dual-line five-step ship lock, and the first generating units connected to the grid. These achievements marked the successful completion of the project's phase goals. In 1997, the Three Gorges Project – River Closure stamp was issued. This stamp set continues to document the milestone moments of the Three Gorges Project, showcasing the great achievements of China's large-scale water conservancy construction and the significant role of water projects in improving people's livelihoods.

Stamp Designs and Historical Background

Reservoir Impoundment

The main subject is the Three Gorges Dam, with water discharging from the dam body, surrounded by continuous green mountains, and the landscape of a calm lake within high gorges beginning to take shape. In 2003, the Three Gorges Reservoir was impounded, raising the water level of the upper Yangtze River and creating the magnificent scene of a serene lake amid towering gorges. This greatly improved flood control capacity in the middle and lower reaches of the Yangtze River and provided sufficient water for the generating units, serving as the foundation for the project's comprehensive benefits.

Ship Lock Navigation

The stamp depicts the dual-line five-step ship lock of the Three Gorges, with multiple lock chambers arranged in sequence and ships passing through. The five-step ship lock is the largest inland waterway ship lock in the world, overcoming the enormous water level difference and allowing ten-thousand-ton fleets to navigate the Three Gorges section. It has greatly improved navigation conditions on the upper Yangtze River and promoted the development of the water transport economy in the Yangtze River basin.

Power Generation

The stamp features transmission towers as the main subject, with power lines extending to distant cities and city lights dotting the scene. The first generating units of the Three Gorges Power Station were put into operation, delivering clean hydropower continuously to Central China, East China, and other regions. This has optimized China's energy structure and reduced fossil fuel consumption. The stamp combines power transmission with a city night scene, showcasing how hydropower benefits millions of households.

Artistic and Design Features

The stamp set uses a modern, minimalist illustration style, with fresh and bright colors, using blue-green tones to depict the Yangtze River landscape. The offset printing provides even and soft colors with natural transitions. The three stamps follow the logical development of the project, presenting the three major achievements of impoundment, navigation, and power generation in a coherent narrative. The designs simplify complex details, highlighting core engineering elements such as the dam, ship lock, and transmission towers. They condense the magnificent achievements of this century-defining water conservancy project into the stamps, showcasing the contemporary character of a major national project.