Scott No: 3354-7
Serial number: 2004-8
Values in set: 4
Denomination: 4.20 yuan
Date of issue: May 1, 2004
Designer: Guo Chenghui
Size of stamps: 50*30 mm
Perforation: 12
Sheet composition: 16
Printing process: offset-engraving
Printer: Henan Post & Telecommunication Printing Works

This special stamp set, Danxia Mountain, was issued on May 1, 2004. It consists of four stamps with a total face value of 4.20 yuan, designed by Guo Chenghui, with Shi Yuan serving as the responsible editor, and printed by Henan Post and Telecommunications Printing Factory using a combination of offset and intaglio (engraving) printing.

Danxia Mountain, located in Renhua, Shaoguan, Guangdong, is a UNESCO Global Geopark and the type locality for Danxia landforms. The mountain is formed from red sandstone that has been shaped by long-term weathering and water erosion, creating red cliffs and towering peaks. Its striking red color, "as rich as cinnabar and as bright as rosy clouds," makes it a representative landscape of southern China. This stamp set features four iconic scenes, presenting the magnificent and colorful geological features of the Danxia landscape.

Stamp Designs and Historical Background

Monk's Hat Peak

The peak has a flat, rounded top resembling a monk's hat, with distinct layers of red cliffs surrounded by other peaks. Lush green vegetation adds to the majestic and towering character of the Danxia peaks.

Xianglong Lake

The clear, jade-like lake is embraced by red cliffs, with lush vegetation along the shore. The reflections of the mountains in the water create a serene and beautiful scene, adding a gentle and graceful touch to the rugged Danxia landscape.

Teapot Peak

This uniquely shaped rock formation resembles a giant teapot, with stacked rocks creating a vivid and playful silhouette. It is one of the most recognizable and iconic rock formations in Danxia Mountain.

Jinjiang River

The river winds through the red cliffs, with the Danxia peaks stretching along both sides. The wide, calm river and the surrounding scenery create a beautiful and serene valley landscape, representing the picturesque charm of the Jinjiang River.

Artistic and Design Features

The horizontal format features a full intaglio engraving technique, with detailed lines capturing the layers of red rock, water ripples, and vegetation. The offset printing adds warm colors, while the engraving provides a rich and three-dimensional texture, creating a striking contrast between red cliffs and green water. The combined offset and intaglio printing provides rich and solid layers. The stamps incorporate multiple anti-counterfeiting features, including security paper, security ink, and fluorescent spray codes. The realistic and magnificent style fully highlights the unique geological beauty of Danxia Mountain.

This stamp set is a special issue on the theme of China's landscapes and global geoparks, suitable for thematic collections on scenic spots and geological landforms.