Scott No: -
Serial number: 2024-26
Values in set: 2
Date of issue: October 18th, 2024
Denomination: 120 fen
Designer of Stamps: Wang Yuliang, Sandrina Shang Bo
Size of stamps: 44 * 33 mm
Perforation: 13
Sheet composition: 12
Size of sheet: 172 * 192 mm
Printing process: Offset
Printing House: Beijing Postage Stamp Printing Works

China Post, in joint issuance with France, is scheduled to release a set of 2 commemorative stamps themed "The 60th Anniversary of the Establishment of Diplomatic Relations Between China and France" on October 18, 2024. The stamps feature two designs: 1. Mount Tai; 2. Mont Saint-Michel. The total face value of the set is 2.40 yuan, with a planned issuance quantity of 6 million sets.

On January 27, 1964, China and France established diplomatic relations at the ambassadorial level. 2024 marks the 60th anniversary of this milestone. Over the past six decades, the two countries have consistently strived to achieve common development through mutually beneficial cooperation, promote cultural exchange and mutual learning through equal dialogue, and jointly address global challenges through multilateral coordination. Their relationship has achieved numerous "firsts" and fruitful outcomes, not only benefiting the peoples of both nations but also playing a vital role in safeguarding world peace and stability, and advancing multipolarity and democratization in international relations.

The first stamp depicts Mount Tai, China’s first site inscribed by UNESCO as a dual World Heritage (Cultural and Natural). Known as "the most revered of the Five Great Mountains," Mount Tai is a sacred cultural symbol of the Chinese nation. Its profound cultural heritage, forged over millennia, embodies the national aspiration for "peace and prosperity of the country and well-being of the people," and carries the national spirit of striving for progress, resilience, harmony, and moderation. As an integral part of Chinese culture, Mount Tai holds the same symbolic significance as the Yellow River and the Yangtze River, boasting rich and profound cultural connotations.

The second stamp features Mont Saint-Michel, a renowned French historical site and Christian pilgrimage destination, celebrated for its long history and stunning natural scenery. Comprising a medieval complex of rocks, dwellings, walls, fortifications, and an abbey, it seamlessly blends the wonders of nature with human wisdom and perseverance. Mont Saint-Michel and its bay were inscribed on UNESCO’s World Heritage List in 1979, making it one of France’s earliest World Heritage sites.

Tai’an City (home to Mount Tai) and the Commune of Mont Saint-Michel established a sister-city relationship in 1997. Since then, the two cities have conducted in-depth exchanges in areas such as tourism development and protection, and cultural promotion, with their friendly ties continuously flourishing.

The stamps adopt two artistic styles: light color traditional Chinese painting for Mount Tai and light color pen-and-ink drawing for Mont Saint-Michel. Characterized by free and relaxed brushwork, contrasting virtual and real compositions, and a harmonious and elegant tone, the designs vividly capture the majestic, cloud-piercing beauty and poetic charm of the two landmarks. Printed with UV offset ink, the stamps boast rich and vibrant colors, while the intricate line work creates a sculptural visual effect. The subtle gold ink used in the border complements the main designs, resulting in an overall aesthetic that is both rich and refined.

This joint-issued stamp set is designed by Wang Yuliang (China) and Sandrine Sambot (France), with Li Jinwei as the responsible editor. It is printed by Beijing Stamp Printing Co., Ltd. using offset printing technology.