Scott No: -
Serial number: 2008-18
Values in set: 1
Date of issue: August 8, 2008
Denomination: 120 fen
Designer: Zhang Yimou, Chen Mingjie
Size of stamps: 44 * 33 mm
Perforation: 13 * 13.5
Sheet composition:
12 for Sheet I;
8 for Sheet II
Size of sheet:
210 * 140 mm for Sheet I;
200 * 120 mm for Sheet II
Printing process: Photogravure
Printing House: Beijing Postage Stamp Printing Works

On August 8, 2008, the commemorative stamp "Inauguration of the 29th Olympic Games" (catalog number 2008-18) was officially issued, coinciding with the opening ceremony of the Beijing Olympics. The set consists of one stamp with a face value of 1.20 yuan, designed by Zhang Yimou and Chen Mingjie, and printed by Beijing Stamp Printing Works using the photogravure process.

On August 8, 2008, the 29th Summer Olympic Games opened with great ceremony at the Beijing National Stadium (Bird's Nest). This marked the first time the Olympic Games were held in China, fulfilling the nation's century-old Olympic dream. The stamp features core visual elements from the opening ceremony, blending traditional Chinese culture with the Olympic spirit, interpreting the slogan "One World, One Dream" and the three concepts of "Green Olympics, High-Tech Olympics, and People's Olympics." It serves as a permanent record of this globally celebrated event, witnessing the historic moment when China opened its arms to the world with confidence.

Stamp Design and Historical Background:

Inauguration of the 29th Olympic Games

Image: The background features the steel grid lines of the Bird's Nest, with a red-blue gradient creating a festive atmosphere. The main subject is the iconic long scroll from the opening ceremony, with scenes of the opening performance depicted on it.
Significance: The giant scroll was the most representative symbol of the Beijing Olympics opening ceremony, symbolizing the 5,000-year continuity of Chinese civilization. The scroll's unfolding signifies the integration of Chinese civilization with the diverse cultures of the world, conveying the core Olympic values of peace and friendship. The lower left corner features the Beijing Olympic emblem and catalog number.

Artistic and Design Features:

The vertical composition is solemn and elegant. The stamp was designed with the participation of Zhang Yimou, the chief director of the opening ceremony, and the design is highly condensed, focusing on the core symbol of the opening ceremony scroll. The contrast of warm and cool colors creates a modern sense of movement, while the grid background alludes to the Bird's Nest structure, making the design highly recognizable. The combination of realistic and abstract elements balances the modern venue architecture with traditional Chinese painting, perfectly blending international sporting aesthetics with Chinese style. The photogravure printing provides smooth color transitions, and the fluorescent ink adds anti-counterfeiting and visual appeal. The self-adhesive miniature sheet, with border design by Wang Huming, adds to the collectible value.

This stamp is a core commemorative issue of the Beijing Olympic series, carrying unique historical significance. It is available in several formats, including a single stamp, large sheet, and self-adhesive miniature sheet. Collectors often combine it with other Olympic stamps, such as the torch relay, Olympic Expo, and sports event series. The holographic miniature sheet was a special edition released for the Coin Expo.