Scott No: -
Serial number: 2007-12
Values in set: 3
Date of issue: May 12th, 2007
Denomination: 360 fen
Designer: Liu Xiangpin
Size of stamps: 30 * 50 mm
Perforation: 12.5 * 13
Sheet composition: 16
Printing process: Photogravure
Printing House: Beijing Postage Stamp Printing Works

This stamp set was officially issued on May 12, 2007. It consists of three stamps, each with a face value of 1.20 yuan, for a total face value of 3.60 yuan. The stamps were designed by Liu Xiangping, with Chen Jingzhi serving as the responsible editor, and printed by Beijing Stamp Printing Works using the photogravure process.

The imperial tombs of the Qing Dynasty are divided into three major architectural complexes: the Three Tombs Outside the Pass, the Eastern Qing Tombs, and the Western Qing Tombs. They are characterized by their rigorous layout and grand scale, representing the culmination of ancient Chinese imperial tomb architecture. Several of these sites are inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List. This stamp set features three milestone tombs: Zhaoling in Shenyang, Xiaoling in Zunhua, and Tailing in Yixian. Together, they trace the development of Qing tomb architecture from its early form outside the pass to its mature and standardized style after the dynasty's entry into China, showcasing the solemn grandeur of these imperial architectural complexes and preserving this precious cultural heritage.

Stamp Designs and Historical Background

Zhaoling

Located in Shenyang, Liaoning, Zhaoling (also known as Beiling) is the tomb of Emperor Taizong of the Qing Dynasty (Huang Taiji) and represents the early imperial tombs outside the pass. The stamp depicts the complete tomb axis, from the main red gate to the Long'en Hall, built along the mountain, with ancient pines surrounding the structures, conveying the simple and majestic character of the early Qing imperial tombs.

Xiaoling

Located in the Eastern Qing Tombs at Zunhua, Hebei, Xiaoling is the tomb of the Shunzhi Emperor. It is the earliest and most complete main tomb within the Eastern Qing Tombs. The stamp presents the magnificent hall complex, which established the overall layout paradigm for Qing imperial tombs after the dynasty entered China, serving as the core structure of the Eastern Qing Tombs.

Tailing

Located in the Western Qing Tombs at Yixian, Hebei, Tailing is the tomb of the Yongzheng Emperor. It is the earliest, largest, and best-preserved imperial tomb in the Western Qing Tombs. The stamp features the entrance sequence of the grand red gate, stone archways, and the spirit way, with a solemn and dignified layout that established the overall architectural style of the Western Qing Tombs.

Artistic and Design Features

The three stamps share a unified vertical composition, using a bright and vivid decorative painting style. The top sections are distinguished by deep blue, bright yellow, and light blue backgrounds to differentiate the three tombs. The symmetrical layout along the central axis is faithfully reproduced, with golden glazed tiles and red walls contrasting with the surrounding pines and cypresses. The photogravure printing captures the rich colors and textures of the ancient architecture, creating a grand and solemn visual experience. The three tombs are presented in sequence, forming a clear narrative of the development of Qing imperial tomb architecture.

This stamp set is a special issue on ancient imperial architecture and World Heritage sites, available in stamp set and large sheet formats. Collectors often pair it with other Ming and Qing architectural stamps, such as those featuring the Ming Tombs and the Forbidden City, making it a distinctive addition to thematic collections on ancient ceremonial architecture.