Scott No: 3451
Serial number: 2005-19
Values in set: 4
Date of issue: September 18, 2005
Denomination: 320 fen
Designer: Zou Yuli
Size of stamps: 40*30 mm
Perforation: 13*13.5
Sheet composition: 8 (2 sets)
Size of sheet: 206*116 mm
Printing process: Photogravure
Printing House: Beijing Postage Stamp Printing Works

his special stamp set, Fanjing Mountain Nature Reserve, was issued on September 18, 2005. It consists of four stamps with a total face value of 3.20 yuan, designed by Zou Yuli, with Chen Yisi serving as the responsible editor, and printed by Beijing Stamp Printing Works using the photogravure process. The four stamps are in a horizontal continuous format.

Fanjing Mountain, located in Tongren, Guizhou, is the main peak of the Wuling Mountains and a national nature reserve that is part of UNESCO's Man and the Biosphere Programme. This mountain retains one of the best-preserved primitive subtropical forest ecosystems at its latitude, rich in rare and endangered species. It is both a globally significant natural gene bank and a renowned Buddhist mountain in China. This stamp set features the iconic mountain peaks, forests, and river valleys of Fanjing Mountain, presenting its majestic and ethereal natural beauty and raising awareness for the protection of these precious mountain ecosystems.

Stamp Designs and Historical Background

Golden Peak

The towering Red Cloud Golden Peak pierces through the rolling sea of clouds, with the summit bathed in the glow of sunset. The distant mountains appear faintly in the mist. This solitary and precipitous peak is the most iconic landmark of Fanjing Mountain, rising above the clouds, combining geological wonder with profound cultural significance.

Mushroom Rock

This massive, layered rock formation, wide at the top and narrow at the base, resembles a giant mushroom standing on the edge of a cliff. Having withstood millions of years of weathering, it remains a remarkable natural wonder. The surrounding mist adds to its ethereal and mysterious presence, making it the most recognizable natural landmark of Fanjing Mountain.

Broadleaf Forest

In the deep and tranquil primitive forest, ancient trees with twisted branches and lush foliage create a dense canopy, with sunlight filtering through the leaves. This scene captures the pristine and flourishing forest ecosystem of the reserve, which harbors many rare and endangered species of flora and fauna.

Heiwan River

In the deep valley, the river cascades through the landscape, with waterfalls plunging from the cliffs. The river winds through the rugged rocks, surrounded by green mountains and dense forests, creating a harmonious interplay of clear water and verdant peaks. This scene depicts the lively and serene river landscape on the eastern slope of Fanjing Mountain.

Artistic and Design Features

The horizontal format features an oil painting style with rich, realistic textures. The layers of clouds and light are soft and delicate, with natural transitions between warm and cool tones. The four stamps flow seamlessly, presenting a complete landscape of Fanjing Mountain, from its peaks to its forests and river valleys. The photogravure printing captures the fine textures of rock, forest, and water. The stamps incorporate multiple anti-counterfeiting features, including security paper, security ink, and fluorescent spray codes. The overall design is grand and ethereal, capturing the unique serene and majestic beauty of this southwestern mountain.

This stamp set is a special issue on the theme of mountain nature reserves and natural scenery, suitable for thematic collections on China's landscapes and world natural heritage ecosystems.