Scott No: -
Serial number: 2009-13
Values in set: 2
Date of issue: June 30, 2009
Denomination: 240 fen
Designer: Fang Jun
Size of stamps: 33 * 33 mm
Perforation: 13.5
Sheet composition:
18 for Sheet I;
8 (4 sets) for Sheet II
Size of Sheet:
210 * 170 mm for Sheet I;
190 * 130 mm for Sheet II
Printing process: photogravure
Printing House: Beijing Postage Stamp Printing Works

On June 30, 2009, the commemorative stamp "16th Asian Games" (catalog number 2009-13) was officially issued as a preview issue for the Guangzhou Asian Games. 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 Fang Jun, with image materials provided by the Organizing Committee of the 16th Asian Games, and printed by Beijing Stamp Printing Works using the photogravure process.

The 16th Asian Games were held in Guangzhou in 2010, marking the second time China hosted a comprehensive Asian Games, following the 1990 Beijing Asian Games. The theme was "Thrilling Games, Harmonious Asia." The stamps feature two key visual symbols of the Games: the official emblem and the mascot. They promote the Guangzhou Asian Games to the national audience, reflect the sporting spirit of Asian athletes competing and exchanging in friendship, incorporate the symbolic five-goat image of Guangzhou's urban culture, and convey the values of openness, hospitality, and harmonious progress. This set, together with the 2010-27 "Inauguration of the 16th Asian Games" stamp, forms a complete Asian Games series.

Stamp Designs and Historical Background:

Emblem

Image: The main design features the emblem of the Guangzhou Asian Games, which combines the five-goat image with a torch in flowing lines, with a sun pattern in the upper right corner and "Guangzhou 2010" below.
Symbolism: The five goats are an iconic cultural symbol of Guangzhou. The design also evokes the dynamic flame of a torch, symbolizing the enduring Asian Games spirit and competitive drive, while reflecting the cultural identity of the Lingnan region.

Mascot

Image: The five mascots, collectively named "Le Yangyang," are depicted together. The individual names of the five goats are Axiang, Ahe, Aru, Ayi, and Le Yangyang, which together convey "Xianghe Ruyi Le Yangyang" (auspicious, harmonious, joyful, and fulfilling).
Symbolism: Based on the Guangzhou legend of the five goats, the colorful and lively mascots represent the warmth and hospitality of the people of Guangzhou in welcoming athletes from across Asia, and convey wishes for peace and happiness.

Artistic and Design Features:

Format Innovation: The use of a diamond-shaped stamp format is distinctive and highly recognizable, breaking away from the traditional rectangular design. Both stamps share a unified and coordinated style.
Color Design: Bright colors such as red, orange, blue, and green on a white background create a vibrant and energetic feel, fitting the lively atmosphere of a major multi-sport event.
Content: One stamp features the emblem, the other the mascot, providing a concise and comprehensive representation of the two key official symbols.
Sheet Design: The miniature sheet features a staggered diamond arrangement with Guangzhou city silhouettes on the border, enhancing visual appeal.

This stamp set is a landmark preview issue for the Guangzhou Asian Games, with its distinctive diamond-shaped format making it highly recognizable. It is an important modern issue for thematic collections on major international sports events. Available in stamp set, large sheet, and miniature sheet formats, it is often collected together with the 2010-27 "Inauguration of the 16th Asian Games" stamp, making it a popular item for thematic collections on sports events and Lingnan regional culture.