Scott No: -
Serial number: 2008-T7
Values in set: 1
Date of issue: May 20, 2008
Denomination: 120 + 100 fen
Designer: Hao Xudong
Size of stamps: 40 * 30 + 20 * 30 mm
Perforation: 13 * 13.5
Sheet composition: 12
Printing process: Photogravure
Printing House: Beijing Postage Stamp Printing Works

On May 20, 2008, the special stamp "Earthquake Relief – United as One" (catalog number T7-2008) was urgently issued. The set consists of one stamp in a continuous format with an attached label. The main stamp has a face value of 1.20 yuan, with an additional donation value of 1 yuan, making the total price 2.20 yuan. The donation amount is not valid for postage. The stamp was designed by Hao Xudong and printed by Beijing Stamp Printing Works using the photogravure process.

On May 12, 2008, a magnitude 8.0 earthquake struck Wenchuan, Sichuan. It was the most destructive, widespread, and challenging earthquake relief effort since the founding of New China. In the face of this disaster, people across the nation came together in solidarity. China Post urgently issued this special surcharged stamp, with all proceeds from the surcharge and postage donated to the earthquake-stricken area. This stamp serves to unite the nation's compassion, commemorate the historic moment of national unity in overcoming a great challenge, and embody the great spirit of the Chinese people in facing disasters with courage and selflessness.

Stamp Design and Historical Background:

Earthquake Relief – United as One

Image: The left side of the stamp features gray seismic wave patterns and ground cracks, symbolizing the Wenchuan earthquake. The main red area features three interlocking hearts forming a knot, symbolizing the unity of the people. The stamp bears the theme text "Earthquake Relief – United as One." The attached label on the right is marked "1 yuan donation" and vertically inscribed with the same theme.
Significance: The interlocking heart design vividly illustrates the spirit of "one party in trouble, all parties support," depicting the moving scene of the entire Chinese people coming together to support the earthquake-stricken area in relief and reconstruction.

Artistic and Design Features:

The stamp features a horizontal continuous format with a simple and solemn design, using a strong visual contrast of gray, red, and white. The design is concise and direct: the earthquake waves symbolize the disaster, while the interlocking hearts symbolize unity and mutual support, making it easily understandable and emotionally powerful. As an emergency issue, the design is simple and dignified, without excessive ornamentation, emphasizing the public welfare theme. The continuous format of the main stamp and attached label follows the classic form of China's disaster relief surcharged stamps.

This stamp is one of the few special-issue disaster relief surcharged stamps in New China, issued for a major emergency event, carrying unique historical significance. As a landmark philatelic item for the Wenchuan earthquake, it was issued on an emergency basis with a very short preparation period. Available in single stamp and full sheet formats, it is often collected together with other disaster relief stamps, such as Special-4 "United in the Fight Against SARS" and the 1998 flood relief stamps, making it an important representative item in China's special-issue stamp series.