Scott No: -
Serial number: 2009-4
Values in set: 2
Date of issue: February 18, 2009
Denomination: 240 fen
Designer: Shang Yu
Size of stamps: 36 * 36 mm
Perforation: 13
Sheet composition: 12 (6 sets)
Printing process: Offset
Printing House: Beijing Postage Stamp Printing Works

On February 18, 2009, the commemorative stamp "24th Winter Universiade" (catalog number 2009-4) was officially issued, coinciding with the opening day of the Harbin Winter Universiade. 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 Shang Yu, with the emblem created by Guan Xuelun and the mascot by Deng Ying, and printed by Henan Post and Telecommunications Printing Factory using offset printing. This was the first time China hosted the Winter Universiade, and this stamp set is the first diamond-shaped winter sports-themed issue in New China.

The 24th Winter Universiade was held in Harbin, Heilongjiang, with the slogan "Ice, Snow, Youth, and the Future." It was China's first time hosting a comprehensive winter sports event for university students. The stamp set features the official emblem and mascot of the Games, showcasing the charm of winter sports, the vitality of student athletes, and the spirit of friendly exchange and international sportsmanship. It also highlights Harbin's ice and snow culture and China's achievements in winter sports development.

Stamp Designs and Historical Background:

Emblem

Image: The main design features the official emblem of the Games, a blue-and-white fluid shape combining ribbons and a figure in motion. The lower part includes "HARBIN 2009" and the five-star emblem, surrounded by subtle snowflake patterns.
History: The emblem's lines resemble ice and snow track trails, embodying both dynamic motion and Eastern aesthetics. It symbolizes young athletes competing in winter sports, striving for excellence and promoting openness and exchange.

Mascot "Dongdong"

Image: The mascot "Dongdong," a personified snowflake, wearing goggles and an orange scarf, with arms wide open in a joyful leap.
History: Inspired by northern snowflakes, the mascot's blue-and-white color scheme reflects the ice and snow theme. Its lively and friendly image represents Harbin as the "Ice City," warmly welcoming athletes from around the world.

Artistic and Design Features:

Format Innovation: The use of a diamond-shaped stamp format is rare, offering a unique visual distinction from standard rectangular stamps. Both stamps share a consistent size and coordinated style.
Visual Elements: The light white background with subtle snowflake patterns enhances the fresh and pure atmosphere of the winter sports event. The simple and bright colors create a highly recognizable design.
Sheet Design: The large sheet features a bridge design with the mascot, enriching the layout and reinforcing the event theme.
Content Layout: The emblem represents the official identity of the Games, while the mascot conveys a humanistic touch, together forming a comprehensive commemorative theme.

This stamp set is a significant issue for winter sports and university games thematic collections, commemorating China's first hosting of the Winter Universiade. Its diamond-shaped format stands out distinctly. Available in both stamp set and large sheet formats, it can be collected together with other sports-themed stamps such as those for the Winter Olympics, Asian Winter Games, and Universiades, making it an important modern issue for thematic collections on northern ice and snow culture and sports events.