Scott No:
Serial number: 2008-6
Values in set: 2 + 1
Date of issue: March 24, 2008
Denomination: 420 fen
Designer: Wang Huming
Size of stamps:
50 * 30 mm for Item I;
30 * 50 mm for Item II
Perforation:
13 * 13.5 for Item I;
13.5 * 13 for Item II
Sheet composition:
9 for Sheet I;
8 for Sheet II ( 2 sets, sticking )
Size of Sheet:
200 * 140 mm for Sheet I;
210 * 126 mm for Sheet II
Size of MS: 140 * 90 mm
Printing process: Photogravure
Printing House: Beijing Postage Stamp Printing Works

On March 24, 2008, the commemorative stamp "Torch Relay of the 29th Olympic Games – Beijing 2008" (catalog number 2008-6) was officially issued. The set consists of two stamps with a total face value of 4.20 yuan, with a souvenir sheet issued concurrently. The stamps were designed by Wang Huming and printed by Beijing Stamp Printing Works using the photogravure process.

The torch relay is an iconic ceremony of the Olympic Games. The theme of the torch relay for the 29th Olympic Games in Beijing was "Journey of Harmony," with the slogan "Light the Passion, Share the Dream." On March 24, 2008, the Olympic flame was lit in Olympia, Greece. The relay lasted 130 days, crossed five continents, and marked the first time the Olympic flame reached the summit of Mount Everest, making it one of the largest torch relays in Olympic history. The stamps focus on two core scenes: the lighting of the flame and the global relay, combining ancient Greek Olympic traditions with Chinese cultural elements, documenting the historic Beijing Olympic torch relay and interpreting the spirit of the Olympics and the integration of Eastern and Western civilizations.

Stamp Designs and Historical Background:

Lighting

Image: The design uses a three-layered composition: the foreground features Fuwa Huanhuan holding a torch; the midground depicts the classic scene of Greek priestesses lighting the flame using a concave mirror; the background outlines the Temple of Hera in Olympia.
Significance: The combination of the modern Beijing Olympic mascot and the ancient flame-lighting ceremony symbolizes the passing of the Olympic flame through the ages, connecting the ancient Olympics with Beijing's centennial Olympic dream.

Relay

Image: The main visual is the Beijing Olympic "Cloud" torch, with rising auspicious cloud flames and the snowy peaks of Mount Everest in the background, with a faint silhouette of a torchbearer running.
Significance: The design honors the historic feat of the Olympic flame reaching the summit of Mount Everest, embodying the Olympic spirit of "Faster, Higher, Stronger" and highlighting the unique achievements of this torch relay.

Souvenir Sheet – Torch Relay

Image: The red-bordered souvenir sheet features the two stamps, with doves of peace and Greek maiden images on the border, and a hidden fluorescent route map of the global relay, fully capturing the "Journey of Harmony" theme.

Artistic and Design Features:

The stamps cleverly use a contrasting horizontal and vertical format to create visual contrast. The "Lighting" stamp uses a light and elegant background, befitting the solemnity of the historical ceremony. The "Relay" stamp uses a dominant red background, creating a warm and grand atmosphere that highlights the power of the flame. The design integrates Chinese symbols such as the Fuwa and the Cloud torch with ancient Greek Olympic elements. The souvenir sheet includes special fluorescent printing, adding a new dimension to the viewing experience. The overall minimalist and modern style, with a clear hierarchy of elements, aligns with the international and diverse character of the Olympic theme.

This stamp set is a core commemorative issue of the Beijing Olympics series, carrying the unique historical significance of the flame reaching Everest. Available in various formats, it is often collected together with other Beijing Olympic stamps, such as the sports events and opening ceremony issues, making it an important item in thematic collections on the Olympics and major sports events.