Scott Number: -
Serial number: 2010-27
Values in set: 6
Denomination: 860 fen
Date of issue: November 12, 2010
Size of stamp: 30 * 50 mm
Perforation: 13.5
Sheet composition: 16 for Value I; 12 for Value II (2 sets)
Size of Sheet:
150 * 240 mm for Value I;
210 * 160 mm for Value II
Designer: Shang Ying
Printing process: photogravure
Printer: Beijing Postage Stamp Printing House

On November 12, 2010, the commemorative stamp "Inauguration of the 16th Asian Games" (catalog number 2010-27) was officially issued, coinciding with the opening day of the Guangzhou Asian Games. The set consists of six stamps with face values of 0.80 yuan, 1.20 yuan, 1.20 yuan, 1.20 yuan, 1.20 yuan, and 3.00 yuan respectively, for a total face value of 8.60 yuan. The stamps were designed by Shang Ying and printed by Beijing Stamp Printing Works using the photogravure process.

The 16th Asian Games were held in Guangzhou, marking the second time New China hosted the Asian Games, with the theme "Thrilling Games, Harmonious Asia." The stamps feature the five mascots of the Games, "Le Yangyang," as the central element, showcasing six sports: badminton, wushu, athletics, equestrianism, dragon boat racing, and Go. The selection represents a balance of modern competitive sports, traditional Chinese sports, and mind sports. The stamps capture the competitive spirit of Asian athletes and reflect the friendly exchange and shared progress among Asian countries and regions. This set complements the 2009-13 "16th Asian Games" emblem and mascot stamps, together documenting the Guangzhou Asian Games.

Stamp Designs and Historical Background:

Badminton

Image: The mascot Axiang in a competitive badminton pose, with the Tianhe Sports Center as the background. Badminton is a highly popular sport in Asia and a key event for gold medals.

Wushu

Image: The mascot Ahe performing wushu with a weapon, with the Nansha Gymnasium as the background. Wushu, as a traditional Chinese sport, has been officially included in the Asian Games, representing Eastern sports culture.

Athletics

Image: The mascot Aru in a hurdling pose, with the Guangdong Olympic Sports Center as the background. Athletics is known as the "mother of sports," with the highest number of gold medals at the Asian Games.

Equestrian

Image: The mascot Ayi riding a horse and jumping over an obstacle, with the Huangcun Equestrian Base as the background. Equestrianism is both competitive and visually appealing, showcasing the diversity of Asian Games events.

Dragon Boat Racing

Image: The five Le Yangyang mascots participating in a dragon boat race, with the Zengcheng Dragon Boat Racecourse as the background. Dragon boat racing originates from traditional Chinese folk sports, highlighting the cultural characteristics of the Lingnan region.

Go

Image: The mascot Le Yangyang sitting in contemplation while playing Go, with the Guangzhou Chess Institute as the background. Go is a traditional East Asian mind sport, representing the development of intellectual sports at the Asian Games.

Artistic and Design Features:

Format: Uniform vertical stamp format, with a cohesive visual style across the set, featuring the consistent and endearing mascot images.
Element Combination: Each stamp integrates the mascot's dynamic pose, a sport icon, and the corresponding venue, providing clear and comprehensive information.
Color Coding: Each stamp uses a distinct gradient background (such as blue, yellow, orange, and red), creating a lively and dynamic look that matches the vibrant atmosphere of the Asian Games.
Content Selection: The sports chosen balance international competitiveness with Chinese cultural characteristics, including modern sports, traditional wushu, folk dragon boat racing, and mind sports.

This stamp set is the core commemorative issue for the inauguration of the Guangzhou Asian Games. With six stamps, it covers continental sports events, Lingnan regional culture, and traditional sports. Available in large sheet, stamp set, and miniature sheet formats, it is often collected together with the 2009-13 Asian Games emblem and mascot stamps and the 2010-21 Guangzhou Asian Para Games stamps. It is an important modern stamp for thematic collections on the Asian Games and major sports events.