Scott No: 3534-7, 3538
Serial number: 2006-25
Values in set: 4 + 1
Date of issue: October 22, 2006
Denomination: 320 fen
Designer: Hao Xudong
Size of stamps: 50*30 mm
Perforation: 13
Sheet composition: 16
Size of S/S: 120*90 mm
Stamp of S/S: 80*50 mm
Perforation of S/S: 13
Printing process: Photogravure
Printing House: Beijing Postage Stamp Printing Works

Issued on October 22, 2006, this commemorative set consists of four stamps with a combined face value of 3.20 yuan, accompanied by one S/S priced at 6.00 yuan. Designed by Hao Xudong, with Chen Yisi as the responsible editor, the stamps were printed by Beijing Stamp Printing Factory using the photogravure process.

The Long March stands as an unprecedented and monumental strategic expedition in human history. Over two arduous years of trekking, the Red Army broke through numerous blockades, overcame brutal natural hazards, preserved the spark of revolution, and forged the Long March Spirit marked by fearless sacrifice and unyielding perseverance. This stamp series captures four milestone historic moments of the Long March, complemented by a mini‑sheet depicting the triumphant joining of forces, in memory of revolutionary martyrs and to carry forward the great Long March Spirit.

Stamp Designs and Historical Background

Farewell

The painting portrays the touching scene where local villagers bid farewell to the Red Army. The reluctant crowd embodies the profound bond between troops and civilians, recreating the moment the Central Red Army departed the Soviet Area to embark on the grand expedition, preserving the historic scene marking the outset of the Long March.

The Zunyi Meeting

The composition freezes the indoor scene of the Zunyi Meeting, recreating this fateful turning point. The meeting re‑established correct revolutionary leadership, saved the Party and the Red Army, and altered the destiny of the Chinese revolution.

Capturing Luding Bridge

Turbulent torrents surge along the Dadu River. Brave warriors clamber along the swaying suspended iron chains and charge forward amid artillery fire. Fearless of formidable enemies, the Red Army fighters pressed ahead courageously, writing a thrilling chapter of combat.

Crossing the Grasslands

Across the boundless marsh wilderness, soldiers supported one another as they trudged laboriously across the desolate muddy grassland. The scene captures the Red Army’s iron‑willed resolve to survive amid extreme deprivation of food and clothing, pushing human endurance to the limit.

Grand Junction (S/S)

The mini‑sheet depicts the spectacular reunion of all branches of the Red Army in victory. Red banners flutter freely while officers and soldiers celebrate their triumph. After enduring countless hardships, the Long March culminated in final victory. Manuscript calligraphy of the impassioned Long‑March poem adorns the lower section, elevating the epic glory of this triumph.

Artistic Design Features

The four stamps are reproduced from original classic revolutionary oil paintings with rich, realistic colour tones and solemn, vivid facial expressions of characters, conveying the solemn and stirring gravity of the historic scenes. The mini‑sheet adopts a traditional Chinese painting style with magnificent momentum, paired with Chairman Mao’s hand‑written poetic verses. The photogravure printing delivers delicate, full tonal gradations and profound, weighty light‑and‑shadow effects. The complete set narrates the full epic journey of the Long March — from departure and critical turning point, through gruelling battles, all the way to final victory.

This is a set of commemorative stamps themed on the red revolutionary epic, comprising sheet stamps and a mini‑sheet. It is ideal for thematic philatelic collections covering the Long March, Party history and revolutionary heritage.