Scott No: -
Serial number: 2009-8
Values in set: 4
Date of issue: May 1, 2009
Denomination: 480 fen
Designer: Li Zhongfa
Size of stamps: 44 * 33 mm
Perforation: 13
Sheet composition:
16 for Sheet I;
8 (2 sets) for Sheet II
Size of sheet:
220 * 165 mm for Sheet I;
210 * 140 mm for Sheet II
Printing process: Pphotogravure
Printing House: Beijing Postage Stamp Printing Works

On May 1, 2009, the special stamp "China and the World Expo" (catalog number 2009-8) was officially issued. The set consists of four stamps, each with a face value of 1.20 yuan, for a total face value of 4.80 yuan, with a miniature sheet issued concurrently. The stamps were designed by He Jie and Chen Shaohua, and printed by Beijing Stamp Printing Works using the photogravure process.

The World Expo has witnessed China's century-long journey of engagement with global civilization. Following a chronological order, the stamps present four historical stages: China's first participation in the World Expo during the late Qing Dynasty, participation during the Republic of China period, China's return to the World Expo after the founding of New China, and the hosting of the World Expo in Shanghai. The set outlines China's century-long relationship with the World Expo, showcasing the transformation from passive participation to active engagement and eventually to hosting the event, documenting China's opening-up and integration into world civilization, while also creating a cultural atmosphere for the 2010 Shanghai World Expo.

Stamp Designs and Historical Background:

China's Participation in the 1851 London World Expo

Image: The scene depicts the merchant Xu Rongcun presenting "Rongji Husi" (silk) at the exhibition, with the Crystal Palace in London in the background.
History: At the first World Expo in London in 1851, the Guangdong merchant Xu Rongcun exhibited his silk and won a gold medal. This was the first time Chinese goods were presented at a World Expo.
Significance: The beginning of China's engagement with the World Expo.

China's Participation in the 1915 San Francisco World Expo

Image: The main subject is the Panama-Pacific International Exposition, featuring famous products such as Maotai liquor and Jingdezhen porcelain.
History: At the 1915 San Francisco Panama-Pacific Exposition, many traditional Chinese products were exhibited, with Maotai, tea, and porcelain winning multiple awards, showcasing China's traditional products and crafts to the West.
Significance: An important chapter in China's export of Eastern products during the Republic of China period.

China's Return to the World Expo

Image: The design features the five-star red flag and exhibition hall buildings, symbolizing China's return to the Bureau of International Expositions and renewed participation in World Expos after reform and opening-up.
History: In 1982, New China participated in the World Expo for the first time, in Knoxville, USA. Since then, China has consistently participated in World Expos, showcasing its modernization achievements.
Significance: China's re-entry into the World Expo family after reform and opening-up.

2010 Shanghai World Expo

Image: The main subject is the iconic China Pavilion, the "Crown of the East," with a silhouette of the Expo Park in the background.
History: The 2010 Shanghai World Expo was the first comprehensive World Expo held in a developing country, marking the realization of China's century-old dream of hosting the Expo.
Significance: The climax of the stamp set, fulfilling the century-old Expo dream.

Artistic and Design Features:

Format: Uniform vertical stamp format, with the four stamps progressing from old to new, with tones shifting from vintage to modern bright, creating a clear chronological narrative.
Visual Concept: Integration of old photographs, traditional artifacts, and modern architecture to distinguish the historical character of the four eras.
Series Connection: As a preview for the Shanghai World Expo, this set complements the later Expo opening commemorative stamps, forming a complete series.
Historical Value: The set combines the history of the World Expo with China's modern history of opening-up.

This stamp set is a core preview issue for the Shanghai World Expo, documenting China's century-long journey with the Expo and holding dual significance for modern history and Expo-themed collections. Available in stamp set, large sheet, and miniature sheet formats, it is often collected together with the 2010-16 "Inauguration of the Shanghai World Expo" commemorative stamp, making it a classic item for World Expo-themed collections.