Scott No: -
Serial number: 2023-27
Values in set: 3
Date of issue: December 3rd, 2023
Denomination: 360 fen
Designer: Yan Bingwu, Rong Tie
Size of stamps: 38 * 50 mm
Perforation: 13 * 13.5
Sheet composition: 12
Size of sheet: 182 * 190 mm
Size of M/S: 174 * 90 mm
Printing process: Photogravure
Printing House: Beijing Postage Stamp Printing Works

China Post is scheduled to issue a set of 3 special stamps and 1 miniature sheet under the theme "World Cultural Heritage – Pingyao Ancient City" on December 3, 2023. The stamps feature three designs respectively named Yingxun Gate, South Main Street and Former Site of Rishengchang Bank. The total face value of the stamp set is 3.60 yuan, and the miniature sheet is priced at 5.40 yuan. The planned circulation is 7,198,000 sets for the stamp set and 5,762,500 pieces for the miniature sheet.

Pingyao Ancient City is a renowned cultural city with a history of over 2,800 years and one of the four best-preserved ancient cities in China. In 1986, it was designated as a "National Historical and Cultural City" by the State Council; in 1997, it was listed as a "World Cultural Heritage" by the United Nations; and in 2015, it was included in the national 5A-level tourist attractions. The city wall of Pingyao has a long history and remains well-preserved, which is said to have been first built during the reign of King Xuan of the Western Zhou Dynasty (c. 827–782 BCE). For military defense purposes, it was expanded and rebuilt into the current brick-and-stone structure in the 3rd year of the Hongwu era of the Ming Dynasty (1370 CE). During the over 500 years of the Ming and Qing dynasties, the city wall underwent 26 rounds of repairs and renovations, thus maintaining the architectural style of the Ming and Qing dynasties to this day.

In terms of design techniques and color processing, the stamp design scheme not only respects the historical original appearance but also incorporates various artistic treatments. It organically combines the representative architectures of the ancient city through the handling of angles and colors in a montage style, making the stamp images both realistic and imaginative, allowing viewers to gain a deeper understanding of Pingyao Ancient City. The border decoration of the miniature sheet features elements such as the statue of Veda in Shuanglin Temple, the unique Tang Dynasty Dougong (wooden brackets) of the main hall in Zhenguo Temple, a line drawing of the aerial view of South Main Street, silhouettes of the ancient city from different angles, and red lanterns in the streets, all of which collectively showcase the overall style and features of Pingyao Ancient City. The stamps were designed by Yan Bingwu and Rong Tie, and printed by Beijing Stamp Factory Co., Ltd. using the photogravure process.