Scott No: -
Serial number: 2008-22
Values in set: 2
Date of issue: September 6, 2008
Denomination: 240 fen
Designer: Liu Bo
Size of stamps: 30 * 40 mm
Perforation: 13.5 * 13
Sheet composition: 16
Size of Sheet: 150 * 210 mm
Printing process: Photogravure
Printing House: Beijing Postage Stamp Printing Works

On September 6, 2008, the commemorative stamp "Beijing 2008 Paralympic Games" (catalog number 2008-22) was officially issued, coinciding with the opening ceremony of the Beijing Paralympics. The set consists of two stamps, each with a face value of 1.20 yuan, for a total face value of 2.40 yuan. The stamps were designed by Liu Bo and printed by Beijing Stamp Printing Works using the photogravure process, featuring Braille embossing.

The 13th Paralympic Games were held in Beijing, fulfilling the promise of "Two Games, Equal Splendor." The Games embodied the concepts of transcendence, integration, and sharing, showcasing the spirit of perseverance and determination of para-athletes. China Post issued this stamp set to document this historic event, promoting respect and care for people with disabilities, conveying values of equality and inclusion, and completing the Beijing Olympic series with a focus on the profound meaning of the "People's Olympics."

Stamp Designs and Historical Background:

Beijing 2008 Paralympic Emblem

Image: The main subject is the Paralympic emblem "Sky, Earth, and People," featuring a running figure formed by calligraphic lines, integrating the Chinese character "zhi" (之), with the International Paralympic Committee's three-color symbol.
Significance: The emblem symbolizes the determination of para-athletes to overcome challenges and strive forward, representing harmony between humans, nature, and society.

Beijing 2008 Paralympic Mascot

Image: The main subject is the Paralympic mascot Fu Niu Lele (Happy Ox).
Significance: The ox, symbolizing diligence and perseverance, aligns with the spirit of para-athletes, conveying optimism, harmony, and friendship.

Artistic and Design Features:

The set features a uniform vertical format, with the two stamps clearly distinguished: one for the emblem and one for the mascot, forming a complementary pair. The design is simple and bright, with lively colors. The stamp innovatively includes Braille embossing, a rare accessible design feature in Chinese stamps, highlighting its humanitarian focus. The photogravure printing provides smooth color transitions, and the concise design maintains visual consistency with the Beijing Olympic stamp series.

This stamp set is an important companion issue to the Beijing Olympics, with the unique Braille process being a notable feature. Available in stamp set and large sheet formats, collectors often combine it with other Beijing Olympic stamps, such as the opening ceremony and torch relay issues, making it an important item for thematic collections on the Olympic Games and social welfare.