Scott No: -
Serial number: 2017-28
Values in set: 1
Date of issue: November 16, 2017
Denomination: 240 fen
Designer: Feng Yuan
Size of stamps:
43 * 32 mm for Value I;
32 * 42 mm for Value II
Perforation: 13 * 13.5
Sheet composition: 16
Sheet Size:
240 * 160 mm for Value I;
160 * 240 mm for Value II
Printing process: Offset + Engraving
Printing House: Henan Provincal Postage Stamp Works

Cangzhou Iron Lion and Bakong Temple Lion is a special stamp jointly issued by China Post and Cambodia on November 16, 2017, to celebrate the 60th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Cambodia. The set consists of two stamps, depicting the image of the Cangzhou Iron Lion of China and the Bakong Temple Lion of Cambodia respectively. Adopting a combined vertical and horizontal layout, the stamps use the offset and intaglio overprinting technique together with a background of traditional patterns, creating a visual effect of the cultural symbols of the two countries "gazing at each other".

The first stamp, in horizontal format, features the Cangzhou Iron Lion against a background of traditional Chinese lotus patterns, highlighting its casting characteristic of carrying a huge basin on its back. The main subject, the Cangzhou Iron Lion, was cast in 953 AD. Standing 5.48 meters tall and weighing 40 tons, it was listed as one of the first batch of Major Historical and Cultural Sites Protected at the National Level in 1961.

The second stamp, in vertical format, presents the Bakong Temple Lion with a background of Cambodian pagoda patterns, emphasizing the decorative style of religious architecture. The Bakong Temple Lion originates from a Hindu temple dating back to the Angkor Dynasty in the 9th century and holds significant religious importance.

The stamps issued simultaneously by the two countries share the same design but differ in face value and national inscriptions, reflecting the characteristics of cross-border cultural cooperation.

This stamp set is a cultural cooperation project jointly launched by China and Cambodia to commemorate the 60th anniversary of their diplomatic ties. Both the Bakong Temple Lion of Cambodia and the Cangzhou Iron Lion of China are symbols of their respective national cultural heritage, and they embody the dialogue between civilizations through the medium of stamps.