Scott No: -
Serial number: 2010-18
Values in set: 1
Denomination: 120 fen
Date of issue: July 11, 2010
Designer: Li Xin
Size of stamp: 36 * 36 mm
Perforation: 13.5 * 13
Sheet composition: 12
Size of sheet: 170 * 165 mm
Printing process: gravure
Printer: Beijing Postage Stamp Printing House

On July 11, 2010, the commemorative stamp "China Maritime Day" (catalog number 2010-18) was officially issued, coinciding with the sixth China Maritime Day. The set consists of one stamp with a face value of 1.20 yuan, designed by Li Xin, with photography by Yang Hong, and the original painting of Zheng He's treasure ship by Cui Yanwei, printed by Beijing Stamp Printing Works using the photogravure process.

Approved by the State Council, July 11 was established as "China Maritime Day," chosen to coincide with the anniversary of Zheng He's first voyage, and also serving as the implementation date for World Maritime Day in China. Maritime activities carry China's long ocean civilization, from the ancient voyages of Zheng He to modern shipping and marine development. Through this stamp, maritime culture is promoted, national ocean awareness is enhanced, and the principles of safe navigation and marine ecological protection are advocated. It pays tribute to maritime pioneers throughout history and presents China's development philosophy of peaceful engagement with the sea. This is the first commemorative stamp issued specifically for China Maritime Day.

Stamp Design and Historical Background:

China Maritime Day

Image: The main subject is a dolphin leaping over the deep blue ocean, with the official logo of China Maritime Day in the upper left corner.
History: Dolphins symbolize vitality, safety, and a harmonious marine ecosystem. The Maritime Day logo combines sails and waves to form the shape of "7·11," indicating the date of China Maritime Day. July 11 marks the departure of Zheng He's voyages in the Ming Dynasty, representing China's glorious achievements in ancient navigation. Today, shipping, marine research, and maritime safety continue to drive national development.
Significance: An iconic stamp representing the integration of China's maritime culture and modern marine ecological civilization.

Artistic and Design Features:

Format: Square stamp format with a balanced and stable composition.
Style: Realistic marine photography combined with logo design, creating a vast oceanic atmosphere.
Imagery: The dolphin symbolizes safe navigation and harmonious coexistence between humans and nature, with the logo directly indicating the theme.
Color: Dominant use of blue tones, evoking the marine theme with a fresh and grand visual effect.

This stamp belongs to the categories of marine culture and shipping commemorative stamps, and is the first exclusive issue for China Maritime Day. It is suitable for thematic collections on maritime civilization, ancient navigation (Zheng He series), and maritime shipping, and is often collected together with stamps related to Zheng He's voyages.