Scott No: -
Serial number: 2009-11
Values in set: 2
Date of issue: June 18, 2009
Denomination: 240 fen
Designer: Yan Bingwu
Size of stamps: 50 * 30 mm
Perforation: 12
Sheet composition: 12 (6 sets)
Printing process: Offset
Printing House: Beijing Postage Stamp Printing Works

On June 18, 2009, the special stamp "Hangzhou Bay Bridge" (catalog number 2009-11) was officially issued. 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 Yan Bingwu and printed by Beijing Stamp Printing Works using offset printing.

The Hangzhou Bay Bridge, with a total length of 36 kilometers, connects Haiyan in Jiaxing in the north to Cixi in Ningbo in the south. It was completed and opened to traffic in May 2008 and was the longest cross-sea bridge in the world at the time. The bridge opened a major transportation link across Hangzhou Bay, shortening the land distance between Ningbo and Shanghai, improving the highway network in the Yangtze River Delta region, and promoting coordinated economic development in eastern Zhejiang. The stamps feature two major views of the bridge: the main structure and the iconic offshore platform, showcasing China's major achievements in cross-sea transportation infrastructure, the advanced technological level of modern bridge construction, and the results of coastal infrastructure development.

Stamp Designs and Historical Background:

The Majestic Bridge

Image: A high-angle aerial view of the bridge, presenting the S-shaped curved bridge deck, cable-stayed navigation towers, continuous piers, and modern highway facilities, with a vast expanse of sea.
History: The bridge's S-shaped design balances driving safety and aesthetics while withstanding the complex tidal and wind conditions of Hangzhou Bay. It represents a breakthrough in China's integrated coastal bridge construction technology and serves as a key control project of the Shenyang–Haikou Expressway.
Significance: Presents the grand scale of the main structure of the Hangzhou Bay Bridge.

Offshore Platform

Image: The main subject is the "Sea-Sky Integration" offshore observation platform, with a unique bird-shaped tower standing on the sea, surrounded by ramps, channels, and passing ships.
History: The offshore platform serves multiple functions, including maritime rescue, traffic monitoring, tourism, and emergency services. It is China's first comprehensive service platform on a sea-crossing highway and an iconic cultural landmark.
Significance: Reflects the modern design concept of integrating traffic safety with comprehensive services.

Artistic and Design Features:

Format: Uniform horizontal long stamp format, with the two stamps designed to be viewed together. The cool blue-gray tones create a clear and atmospheric seascape.
Composition Perspective: The grand, realistic perspective faithfully presents the magnificent cross-sea bridge, softening the industrial feel and blending with the natural marine scenery.
Content Layout: One stamp focuses on the main structure, while the other highlights the complementary facility, creating a balance between engineering and humanistic elements.
Thematic Connection: This set can be collected together with other modern cross-sea bridge stamps, such as the Sutong Bridge and the Donghai Bridge, forming a thematic series on transportation infrastructure.

This stamp set is a landmark issue commemorating the Hangzhou Bay Bridge, a major cross-sea engineering project in the Yangtze River Delta region. Available in stamp set and large sheet formats, it is suitable for thematic collections on modern bridge engineering, highway transportation, and Zhejiang regional development.