Stamps mark anniversary of Pingyao as UNESCO World Cultural Heritage Site

The look of the commemorative stamps. [Photo provided to goshanxi.com.cn] 

Pingyao county in North China's Shanxi province issued a set of unique stamps on Dec 3 to celebrate the 26th anniversary of the Ancient City of Pingyao as a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage Site. 

Designed by Yan Bingwu and Rong Tie, the special launch comes in three stamps and a souvenir sheet. The set has a face value of 3.60 yuan ($0.51), while the souvenir sheet is priced at 5.40 yuan. 

The designs of the stamps are named "Yingxun Gate," "Southern Street," and "The Former Site of Rishengchang Exchange Shop." These stamps combine the representative buildings of the ancient city in a collage style, using colors to create a realistic yet imaginative portrayal, allowing viewers to have a deeper understanding of the Ancient City of Pingyao. 

"I have a deep emotional connection to Pingyao, which has unique northern folk customs and profound cultural traditions … there are still over 10,000 locals living in the Ancient City of Pingyao With a history of over 2,800 years, allowing visitors to experience its charm. This living cultural heritage is truly inspiring," said the designer Rong Tie. 

Various areas were set up during the stamp release event, including the stamp release zone, temporary themed post office area, and rural vitalization agricultural product exhibition area. These areas offered services and experiences such as signature sessions with renowned stamp designers and postcard mailing services. 

Feng Yuquan, head of Pingyao, hoped that this stamp release could further promote Pingyao's cultural tourism brand and explore its outstanding historical and cultural resources.