Scott No: -
Serial number: 2013-19
Values in set: 2
Date of issue: August 31, 2013
Denomination: 240 fen
Designer: Wang Huming, Li Zhihong
Size of stamps: 50 * 30 mm
Perforation: 13
Sheet composition: 12
Sheet size: 182 * 182 mm
Denomination of M/S: 360 fen
Size of M/S: 138 * 85 mm
Printing process: Offset
Printing House: Henan Postage Stamp Printing Works

On August 31, 2013, coinciding with the opening ceremony of the 12th National Games of the People's Republic of China in Shenyang, Liaoning, China Post issued the commemorative stamp set for the event with catalog number 2013-19. The set includes two main stamps and one souvenir sheet.

Breaking from the convention of featuring mascots or emblems as the primary subjects, both main stamps focus on competitive sports in which Liaoning excels, capturing dynamic athletic moments and showcasing the spirit of sports:

"Rhythmic Gymnastics": Captures the moment a female gymnast soars and stretches in mid-air, with ribbons flowing like clouds. Her form embodies both grace and strength, perfectly conveying the fusion of "power and beauty" in rhythmic gymnastics. The background features abstract motion trails subtly highlighted with colorless pearlescent ink, creating a sense of dynamic afterglow.

"Fencing": Depicts a male fencer lunging forward in a powerful attack. The sharp blade, poised posture, and explosive tension reflect the tactical aesthetics of "speed, precision, and force" in fencing, creating a visual contrast with the rhythmic gymnastics stamp.

The emblem of the 12th National Games is placed in the lower right corner of both stamps, and the mascot "Ningning" appears in the upper left, creating a clean, layered composition with clear visual hierarchy.

The souvenir sheet serves not only as a carrier for the stamps but also as a condensed "Liaoning Sports Scroll":

Upper section: The projection-style text "LIAONING" in the background symbolizes Liaoning's open and forward-looking stance as a frontier in China's Northeast revitalization.

Upper left: The emblem, shaped like the number "12," combines the initials "LN" with the Chinese dragon-bird totem, symbolizing heritage and breakthrough.

Lower section: The curved roof lines of the Shenyang Olympic Sports Center, known as the "Crystal Crown," serve as decorative elements, evoking the architectural imagery of the "Crown of the Goddess of Victory."

The souvenir sheet uses a blue-and-white color palette, elegant and grand, preserving the memory of the Games while conveying Liaoning's forward-looking, seafaring spirit.

Mascot "Ningning": Based on the spotted seal, a unique species of the Bohai Sea, Ningning has a round form, blue hues, and bright eyes, symbolizing inclusiveness, vitality, and life. With its torch held high and arms open wide, it extends a warm welcome to athletes from across the nation, serving as the most endearing visual symbol of the Games.

Emblem: Shaped like the number "12," the emblem integrates the letters "LN," the Chinese dragon-bird (a prehistoric creature unearthed in Liaoning), and a human athletic figure. The design combines historical depth with modern dynamism, representing both the dream of becoming a sporting powerhouse and the deep roots of regional culture.