Scott No: 3477
Serial number: 2006-4
Values in set: 4
Date of issue: February 25, 2006
Denomination: 320 fen
Designer: Li Defu
Size of stamps: 50*30 mm
Perforation: 13*12.5
Sheet composition: 16(4 sets)
Printing process: Photogravure
Printing House: Beijing Postage Stamp Printing Works

This stamp set was issued on February 25, 2006. It consists of four stamps with a total face value of 3.20 yuan, designed by Li Defu, with Shi Yuan serving as the responsible editor, and printed by Beijing Stamp Printing Works using the photogravure process.

The Li River, located in Guilin, Guangxi, is a world-famous landscape. Its winding waters are flanked by towering peaks, often shrouded in mist, creating a scene reminiscent of a traditional Chinese ink painting. This stamp set features four classic scenic spots along the Li River, arranged in a continuous format to present a complete and picturesque gallery of the river's beauty, showcasing the poetic charm of the karst landscapes in southern China.

Stamp Designs and Historical Background

Yangdi

Shrouded in morning mist, the river is flanked by rolling peaks and bamboo groves. A small boat drifts on the clear water, capturing the serene and elegant beauty of the misty Li River. Yangdi serves as the classic starting point for a Li River tour.

Langshi

The river winds through towering peaks, with scattered reefs emerging from the water. The peaks rise in opposition, creating a winding and twisting waterway that forms a unique and picturesque landscape.

Huangbu

The river is clear and calm, perfectly reflecting the surrounding peaks. This is the same view featured on the back of the 20-yuan banknote, making it one of the most famous and iconic scenes of the Li River.

Xingping

The river widens into a gentle bay, with an ancient town nestled along the shore. Bamboo rafts drift slowly on the water, blending natural beauty with cultural charm, creating a tranquil and serene riverside scene.

Artistic and Design Features

The four stamps are arranged in a horizontal continuous format, forming a complete ink painting scroll. The photogravure printing delicately captures the misty and ethereal quality of the water, with blue-green tones evoking the essence of traditional Chinese painting. The continuous format enhances the visual flow, making it highly appealing.

This stamp set is a special issue on Chinese scenic spots, featuring a unique four-stamp continuous format, suitable for collections on the theme of China's natural landscapes.