Scott No: -
Serial number: 2007-23
Values in set: 3
Date of issue: August 18th, 2007
Denomination: 360 fen
Designer: Li Qingfa
Size of stamps:
50 * 30 mm for value 1;
30 * 50 mm for value 2, 3
Perforation:
12.5 * 12 for value 1;
12 * 12.5 for value 2, 3
Sheet composition: 15 (5 sets)
Printing process: Photogravure
Printing House: Beijing Postage Stamp Printing Works

This stamp set was officially issued on August 18, 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 Li Qingfa and printed by Beijing Stamp Printing Works using the photogravure process.

The Tengchong volcanic and geothermal area, located in western Yunnan, is a national-level scenic area, preserving a complete Cenozoic volcanic cluster and unique geothermal hot spring landscapes in China. The region is dotted with volcanic cones, crater lakes, boiling springs, and canyons, with active geothermal activity and a rich diversity of rare landforms. This stamp set features three iconic landscapes—Rehai (Hot Sea), the volcanic cluster, and the Shendu Valley—presenting three distinct geological wonders: geothermal hot springs, dormant volcanic cones, and columnar jointed canyons. It showcases the magnificent volcanic and geothermal scenery of western Yunnan and raises awareness for the protection of geological heritage resources.

Stamp Designs and Historical Background

Rehai (Hot Sea)

The stamp depicts the Rehai hot spring scenic area, with the "Big Boiling Pot" spring churning with hot water and steam rising over the mountains, surrounded by palm trees and lush vegetation. It is a renowned high-temperature geothermal hot spring wonder in China.

Volcanic Cluster

The stamp offers a bird's-eye view of the Tengchong volcanic cluster, with multiple rounded and well-preserved volcanic craters scattered across the plateau, covered with forest vegetation, presenting a complete dormant volcanic cluster.

Shendu Valley (Columnar Jointed Valley)

The stamp features the columnar jointed canyon, formed by the cooling of ancient lava into orderly vertical basalt columns. A river flows through the canyon, creating a unique volcanic landscape.

Artistic and Design Features

The three stamps use a staggered layout with one horizontal and two vertical formats, rendered in a traditional Chinese landscape painting style. The color palette is warm and elegant, with soft cloud layers. The photogravure printing delicately captures the rising steam, lush forests, and rugged rock textures. The horizontal hot spring scene complements the two vertical mountain and canyon scenes, creating a varied composition that fully presents the diverse volcanic and geothermal landforms of Tengchong.

This stamp set is a special issue on China's national scenic areas and volcanic geology, available in stamp set and large sheet formats. Collectors often pair it with other volcanic landscape stamps, such as those featuring Wudalianchi, making it a distinctive addition to thematic collections on southwestern geological scenery.