Scott No: 3441-44
Serial number: 2005-15
Values in set: 4
Date of issue: July 30, 2005
Denomination: 320 fen
Designer: Huang Huaqiang
Size of stamps: 50*30 mm
Perforation: 13*12.5
Sheet composition: 8
Printing process: Photogravure
Printing House: Beijing Postage Stamp Printing Works

This special stamp set, Xianghai Nature Reserve, was issued on July 30, 2005. It consists of four stamps with a total face value of 3.20 yuan, designed by Huang Huaqiang, with Yu Ping serving as the responsible editor, and printed by Beijing Stamp Printing Works using the photogravure process.

Located in Tongyu, Jilin, the Xianghai Nature Reserve is one of China's first Class A wetlands to be included in the International List of Wetlands of Importance. It features a rich and diverse ecosystem of sand dunes, elm forests, lakes, reed marshes, and grasslands. It is a crucial habitat for many rare waterbirds, including red-crowned cranes, white storks, and golden eagles, and is often praised as "Changbai in the east, Xianghai in the west." This stamp set features four representative natural landscapes and wildlife species, presenting the pristine and pure beauty of this wetland reserve and raising awareness for the protection of wetland ecosystems and endangered species.

Stamp Designs and Historical Background

Rare Birds

In a shallow, reedy wetland, an adult red-crowned crane sits protectively on its nest, with a chick nestled close by. The scene is warm and serene. The red-crowned crane, a rare and endangered species, is the flagship species of this wetland.

Elm Forest

In the autumn, golden elm trees dot the sand dunes, while white storks glide overhead. These resilient elms are a unique feature of Xianghai, providing vital vegetation cover in this desert wetland.

Lakeside

By the clear, calm lake, cattails sway in the breeze, with shelducks standing by the shore and flocks of ducks swimming on the water. The vast, gentle wetlands provide excellent feeding and resting grounds for waterbirds.

Grassland

A vast, open grassland stretches into the distance, with winding streams crossing the green landscape. A powerful golden eagle soars high above, surveying the land below, capturing the expansive and majestic character of the reserve.

Artistic and Design Features

The horizontal format features a realistic painting style, with the four stamps reflecting the distinct seasonal tones of the wetland. The birds are depicted with lifelike expressions, and the landscape layers are soft and natural. The photogravure printing captures the rich textures of feathers, plants, and water. The stamps incorporate multiple anti-counterfeiting features, including security paper, security ink, and fluorescent spray codes. The entire set presents a complete and continuous portrait of the wetland ecosystem.

This stamp set is a special issue on the theme of wetland wildlife and natural scenery, suitable for thematic collections on nature reserves and wild bird ecology.