#551 China 11/12/22

XU Hui sent me this very nice cover from the People’s Republic of China, thank you! It was posted in Nanchang (南昌) on December 22, 2011, and arrived on January 4, 2012.

The stamp set on the left is entitled “Liangzhu Jade“. It was issued on March 8, 2011.

The right stamp set was issued on 12 June 2010 and commemorates the Kunqu Opera. It depicts scenes from the plays “The Palace of Long Life”, “The Peony Pavilion” (牡丹亭), and “Washing the Silken Gauze” (浣紗記).

#457 China 10/07/25

Mr. Guo Xiaoling sent me this beautiful FDC from the P.R. of China, thank you very much!

It was posted in Xining (西宁) on July 25. The stamp set commemorates the composers W. A. Mozart (1756-1791), J. S. Bach (1685-1750), L. van Beethoven (1770-1821), and J. Haydn (1732-1809).

#446 China 10/12/29

Thank you, Xu Hui, for sending this beautiful cover from China! It was posted in Shanghai (上海) on December 29, 2010, and arrived on January 19, 2011.

#390-#392 China 10/05/15

Thank you very much, Hui XU, for sending this beautiful FDCs from P.R. China! The FDCs were issued and sent on May 15, 2010. On the back there are four additional postage stamps and day cancellations (not shown). The three FDCs and six stamps are entitled “Ancient Chinese Calligraphy – Running Script”. The stamps have the titles “Preface to the Orchid Pavilion”, “Poems Composed during the Cold Food Festival in Huangzhou”, and “Elegiac Lament for My Nephew”.

Running Script (Xing Shu) […] originated in the Han Dynasty (206B.C.-A.D.220), and became mature during the Wei (220-265) and Jin (265-420) dynasties. It simplifies the strokes of Regular Script (Kai Shu), transforms the patterns of Regular Script, and loosens the structure of Regular Script, thus being more applicable and practical to daily life compared to Regular Script and Cursive Script (Cao Shu). The “Preface to the Orchid Pavilion” […] is a calligraphic work by Wang Xizhi (303-361) […]. It is said that Wang invited friends to gather at the Orchid Pavilion on the outskirts of Shanyin in Kuaiji (present-day Shaoxing, Zhejiang Province), where they drank wine and composed poems for an anthology, to which Wang wrote the preface. The calligraphy features vigorous strokes, an unconstrained structure, and a graceful style, vividly representing the new form initiated by Wang Xizhi. It produced a profound influence upon Chinese calligraphy in the following generations.

The “Poems Composed during the Cold Food Festival in Huangzhou,” […] is attributed to Su Shi of the Northern Song Dynasty (960-1127) […]. It comprises two five-character-in-a-line poems, describing the author’s sorrowful state of mind and difficult living conditions after being demoted to Huangzhou. This calligraphy features free-style fonts in round shapes, contributed by a stress on the use of marginal tip of the writing brush, and is full of charm. It represents the greatest accomplishment of Su Shi in Running Script.

The “Elegiac Lament for My Nephew,” […] was calligraphed by Yan Zhenqing during the Tang Dynasty (618-907) […]. This work was created by Yan in mourning of his nephew. Yan Jiming, who died during the political turmoil started by An Lushan and Shi Siming. The calligrapher resolutely adopted withered brush and nearl-dried ink to convey his deep grief and striking artistic effect. (FDC’s info texts)

#134 China 09/01/05

First day cover from China, posted in Tangshan on January 5, 2009.

The left stamp on this beautiful cover is part of the series “Architecture of the Dong Nationality” (issued on June 2, 1997); it depicts the Zengchong Drum Tower. The top third stamp and the bottom stamp are part of this series too; they show two “Wind and Rain Bridges”. The top right stamp commemorates the Year of the Ox; it was issued on January 5, 2009. Finally, the middle stamp of 2001 depicts the fish Acipenser dabryanus.

The FDC commemorates the Ji-Chou Year (Year of the Ox):

Since ancient times, the ox, always found working on farmland, has been regarded as an honest, supportive labor partner of human beings. In the eyes of Chinese people, the ox is a symbol, of hardworking spirit and selfless contribution. Widely-circulated adages like “Aware of the arrival of its late years, the ox drives itself further without being whipped” and “Head-bowed, like a willing ox I serve the children” represent the traditional virtue and diligence of the Chinese people. The ox also symbolizes affluence and ease. It will bring a vigorous, dynamic hope of a new year and herald a bright prospect.
(backcover text of FDC)

Thank you, Wang, for sending me this beautiful FDC!

#112 China 08/12/18

First day cover from China, posted on December 18, 2008.

It commemorates the “30th Anniversary of Reform and Opening Up”. In addition to the 2008 stamp of 1.20 yuan, there are four stamps attached: The two left ones are part of the series “Protecting the common homeland of mankind” and has the title “Forest conservation”. It was issued on February 2, 2002. The middle two stamps depict the birds Chinese Monal Pheasant (Lophophorus lhuysii) and Ala Shan Redstart (Phoenicurus alaschanicus); they were issued on November 15, 2006 resp. April 1, 2002.

This beautiful FDC was sent to me by Mr. Guo XiaoLin, thank You!

China 08/12/31

Cover from China, posted on December 31, 2008.

This nice postal stationery was sent to me by Mr. Xu, thank you! It commemorates the year of the ox. The additional three stamps depict the Taiwan Yuhina (Yuhina brunneiceps).

Inside there was a nice greeting card (see left).

China 08/12/18

Registered FDC from China, posted on December 18, 2008.

This beautiful FDC commemorates the “30th Anniversary of Reform and Opening Up”. The mini-sheet has an interesting perforation. Actually, the left “stamp” forming the “3″ is no stamp, because it has no value and country imprinted. There are two additional definitive stamps of 4.20 yuan attached.

Thank you, my Chinese friend, for sending this marvelous FDC!

China 08/12/16

Folded New Years Greetings cover from China, posted on December 13, 2008.

Many thanks to my Chinese friend, who send me this beautiful folded card commemorating the Year of the Ox!

In addition to the postal stationery value of 1.20 yuan, the four stamps of the 2007 “Mianzhu Woodprint New Year” set are attached. This set was issued on February 10, 2007; the stamps are entitled “The General”, “Mu Guiying“, “Double Kids of Happiness”, and “Zhangxian Shooting at the Heaven Dog”.

The card has the number 391085 and an additional airmail cancel (“par avion”) was applied.

China FDC 2008/10/24

Airmail first day cover from China, posted on October 24, 2008. This FDC commemorates the Seventh Asia-Europe Meeting (ASEM7) in Beijing. The stamp has a face value of 1.20 yuan.

Initiated in 1996, ASEM is an intergovernmental forum between Asia and Europe. ASEM summit is held biennially in Asia and Europe alternatively. ASEM 7, held October 24-25 in Beijing, was themed on “Vision and Action: Towards a Win-Win Solution”. Focusing on political, economic and social and cultural issues, Asian and European leaders conducted in-depth discussions on expanding and deepening the equal dialogue and mutually-beneficial cooperation between Asia and Europe, so as to seek a win-win progress for the benefit of peoples of both regions.

(Backcover text of FDC.)

The left stamp is of the series “Protecting the common homeland of mankind” and has the title “Water resource conservation”. This series was issued on April 1, 2003. The middle stamp depicts the Ala Shan Redstart (Phoenicurus alaschanicus) and was issued on April 1, 2002.

Thank you, my Chinese friend, for sending me this nice FDC!

China 2008/10/10

Registered cover from PR China. This cover is very unusual because the post officer forgot to cancel the stamps! I know from the sender, that this cover was posted on October 10, 2008.

The 2001 mini-sheet on the front side depicts the Huangguoshu Waterfall.

Huangguoshu Waterfall is the centre of the Huangguoshu scenic area. Located on the Baishui River, it is the largest of its kind in China and one of the most magnificent waterfalls in the world. It is 81 metres wide, with a drop of 74 metres. Like the Milky Way descending from heaven, the Huangguoshu Waterfall rushes into the Xiniu pond. Its roaring sound can be heard several kilometres away. The cave behind the Waterfall is 134 metres long. Still intact inside the cave is an age-old carving of four Chinese characters, meaning “snow reflecting cloud”. Watching sunset from inside the cave offers a mirage-like view.

(http://www.xabusiness.com/china-stamps-2001/2001-13.htm)

The back side has attached three stamps of the 2001 Wudang Mountains series. The stamps are entitled “Nanyan Hall in Autumn”, “Zixiao Temple in Snow”, and “Taizi Slope in Green”. More info can be found here.

In addition there are the five stamps of the 2005 set “Historic sites of Taiwan province”. They are entitled “The North Gate of Taibei Official Residence”, “Temple of Confucius in Tainan”, “Longshan Temple in Lugang”, “Er Kun Sheng Barbette in Tainan”, and “Matsu Temple at Penghu”. More info can be found here.

China FDC 2008/10/18

Registered FDC from China, posted on October 18, 2008.

The top three stamps are a set commemorating the “50th Anniversary of Founding of Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region”.

Many thanks to my friend in China for sending me this nice FDC!

China 2008/09/16

Registered airmail letter from the People’s Republic of China. Posted on 2008/09/16 in Xining, delivered on 2008/09/23.

FDC China – The Summer Palace

FDC issued by Chinese National Philatelic Corporation on May 10, 2008.

The Summer Palace, originally named Qingyiyuan (garden of Clear Ripples) is situated in the northwestern outskirts of Beijing. It was first constructed in the 15th year of Qing Emperor Qianlong‘s reign (1750). It covers an area of 2.9 km², three quarters of which is water space. There are Longevity Hill, Kunming Lake, ancient architectural complexes, Long Corridor, Marble Boat, and priceless collection of cultural relics. Since the founding of the People’s republic of China, the Summer Palace has undergone several massive renovations of the Four Great Regions, Suzhou Street, Pavilion of Bright Scenery, and Wenchang Gallery. In 1998, the UNESCO included the Summer Palace on its World Heritage List.

(Back cover text of the FDC.)

The FDC and cancellation were designed by Xiao Yutian.