Scott No: -
Serial number: 2012-13
Values in set: 3
Date of issue: June 16, 2012
Denomination: 360 fen
Designer: Zhang Qiang
Size of stamps:
Value 1, 4: 30* 50 mm
Perforation: 13.5
Sheet composition: 12
Size of sheet: 148 * 210 mm
Printing process: Photogravure
Printing House: Beijing Postage Stamp Printing Works

On June 16, 2012, China Post issued the commemorative stamp set "Haiyang 2012 – 3rd Asian Beach Games" with catalog number 2012-13. The set consists of three stamps, featuring Beach Volleyball, Road Roller Skating, and Water Skiing respectively. Each stamp has a face value of 1.20 yuan, for a total face value of 3.60 yuan. The stamps were designed by Zhang Qiang, with Chen Jingzhi serving as the responsible editor. Event-related materials were provided by the Organizing Committee of the 3rd Asian Beach Games. The stamps were printed by Beijing Stamp Printing Works using the photogravure process, incorporating anti-counterfeiting paper, anti-counterfeiting ink, shaped perforations, and fluorescent spray codes. The stamps were issued on the opening day of the Games, marking the first time the Asian Beach Games were hosted in China.

The Asian Beach Games is a comprehensive international multi-sport event under the umbrella of the Olympic Council of Asia, focusing on coastal and leisure sports, and promoting the ideals of sunshine, vitality, and a connection with nature. The 3rd Asian Beach Games were held in Haiyang, Yantai, Shandong, from June 16 to 22, 2012, featuring 13 sports and 49 events, with athletes from more than forty Asian countries and regions participating. The slogan of the Games was "Happy Together," emphasizing the unique appeal of beach sports and fostering cultural exchange among Asian nations.

The first stamp depicts Beach Volleyball, capturing the dynamic moment of a player leaping to spike the ball. Beach volleyball is highly popular and a classic event of the Beach Games.

The second stamp features Road Roller Skating, illustrating the streamlined motion of athletes gliding at speed, highlighting the sport's vibrant and fashionable spirit.

The third stamp focuses on the suspended pose of a water skier, representing aquatic competitive events and enriching the coastal sports theme.

The stamp set employs an artistic technique combining backlight silhouettes with colorful lines, creating a fresh, clean, and lively visual style. Bright colors such as blue, green, and yellow are used to distinguish the atmosphere of each sport. In the lower left corner of each stamp is the emblem of the Games, "Charm of the Sea," which is creatively based on the Chinese character "海" (sea), referencing both the host city Haiyang and the coastal nature of the event.

This stamp set is a significant collectible for sports event-themed, Olympic-themed, and Shandong regional-themed philately.