Scott Number: -
Serial number: 2011-11
Values in set: 2
Denomination: 420 fen
Date of issue: April 28, 2011
Size of stamp: 30 * 40 mm
Perforation: 13.5
Sheet composition: 12
Size of Sheet:
155 * 190 mm
Designer: Chen Shaohua
Printing process: Photogravure
Printer: Beijing Postage Stamp Printing House

On April 28, 2011, the special stamp "2011 Xi'an International Horticultural Exposition" (catalog number 2011-10) was officially issued, coinciding with the opening day of the exposition. 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 Chen Jingyi and printed by Beijing Stamp Printing Works using the photogravure process.

The two stamps revolve around the theme of "Eternal Chang'an, Creative Nature – Harmony between City and Nature." One stamp highlights Chang'an's historical heritage and cultural depth, while the other focuses on the horticultural exposition and ecological nature, conveying the concept of green development. They integrate the millennia-old cultural history of Xi'an with modern horticultural and ecological concepts, reflecting a dialogue between the ancient and the modern, and a vision of harmonious coexistence between humanity and nature.

Stamp Designs and Historical Background:

Chang'an Flower Valley

Image: A vibrant sea of flowers stretches out, with the iconic Chang'an Pagoda in the distance.
History: The Chang'an Pagoda is a landmark of the Xi'an Expo, combining traditional Tang Dynasty pagoda forms with modern steel structure technology. The Chang'an Flower Valley is a core landscape area, showcasing rare flowers from around the world.
Significance: Represents the combination of traditional architectural aesthetics with modern horticultural landscape, symbolizing the renewal of the ancient capital.

Five-Colored Zhongnan

Image: Features the outline of the Qinling Mountains, accompanied by various plants and the expo mascot "Chang'an Flower."
History: The Qinling Zhongnan Mountains are Xi'an's natural ecological barrier, carrying the natural and cultural heritage of the Guanzhong region. The mascot "Chang'an Flower" is based on the pomegranate flower, the city flower of Xi'an, symbolizing harmony and prosperity.
Significance: Showcases the ecological character of the Qinling Mountains and conveys the expo's purpose of green, natural, and harmonious development.

Artistic and Design Features:

Layout: Vertical stamp format with the two stamps printed horizontally together, creating a flowing, continuous visual experience.
Painting Style: A beautiful decorative landscape style with rich, vibrant colors, full layers of flowers and plants, evoking a garden atmosphere.
Regional Symbols: Skillfully incorporates local Xi'an elements such as the Chang'an Pagoda, the Qinling Mountains, and pomegranate flowers, giving the stamps strong regional identity.
Thematic Harmony: One stamp highlights the expo site and its grand atmosphere, while the other emphasizes natural mountain and river resources, creating a complementary relationship between culture and nature.

The stamps were issued on the opening day of the expo, carrying strong commemorative significance for the event. The subject matter covers horticulture, ecological conservation, Xi'an local culture, and international expositions. As a dedicated philatelic item for this major international event in Shaanxi, Xi'an, it is an important collectible for thematic collections focusing on the Northwest region.