************************************************************
A special stamp issue with the theme of "Mainland Scenery Series No. 5: Mount Taishan" will be released on Thursday 4 May 2006.
The Postmaster General, Mr Allan Chiang said this issue was the fifth in the Mainland Scenery series and portrayed glorious views of Mount Taishan in a golden hue, bringing out the splendour of this magnificent rock formation. Added to UNESCO's World Heritage List in 1987, Mount Taishan is considered one of the great mountains of China.
Of great historical significance, Mount Taishan was formed some 2.4 billion years ago and is famed for its towering grandeur and dignified beauty. According to ancient beliefs, the sun rose in the east and therefore this cardinal direction was associated with the origin of life. Lying in the east of China, Mount Taishan humbles other mountains and is renowned for its awesome scenery and breathtaking sunrises. Gongbei Rock, which juts out to the north at Sun-Watching Peak, is the vantage point for a stunning sunrise view and is also featured in the series.
"These stamps follow the successful release of the previous Mainland Scenery Stamps in the series, and I believe they will be received just as enthusiastically as they reflect the beauty and the cultural importance of one of the most scenic natural locations in China," Mr Chiang said.
Hongkong Post is also offering a lucky draw coupon with each purchase of the presentation pack. Two lucky draws will be conducted, one on May 18 and the other on June 20, 2006, and the prize will be a prestige souvenir frame with a full set of Mainland Scenery Series stamp sheetlets. The result will be announced on the Hongkong Post Stamps website (www.hongkongpoststamps.com) and in the Philatelic Link, Sing Tao Daily and The Standard.
Exclusively for Local Standing Order Service (LSOS) customers, the prestige souvenir frame with a full set of the Mainland Scenery Series stamp sheetlets can be ordered in advance. For more information, please visit the Hongkong Post Stamps Website (www.hongkongpoststamps.com) or call the Hongkong Post Philatelic Bureau Hotline 2785 5711.
000
The stamp sheetlet with a $10 stamp will sell for $10, a Presentation Pack with one stamp sheetlet will be available at $18, and a Serviced First Day Cover affixed with a stamp sheetlet and datestamped with a special postmark will be available for $13.50.
The stamps are designed by Mr. Ken Li and printed in lithography by Southern Colour Print, New Zealand.
The stamp sheetlet will be displayed at the General Post Office and Tsim Sha Tsui, Tsuen Wan and Sha Tin Central post offices from April 13, 2006. Official First Day Covers at $1 each will be put on sale at all post offices on the same day. Advance orders for servicing self-provided souvenir covers will be accepted at 39 philatelic offices from April 13 to 22.
A hand-back datestamping service will be provided at all post offices on May 4 for official and privately-made covers bearing the first day of issue indication and a local address. A special postmark will also be introduced.
The 'GPO-1' postmark , the 'Philatelic Bureau' pictorial postmark and the philatelic office pictorial postmarks will also be available for hand-back datestamping service at all philatelic offices on that day.
On May 4, the public hall of the Hongkong Post Philatelic Bureau will also open from 9am to 5pm for date stamping covers with the "Philatelic Bureau" pictorial postmark, the "GPO-1" postmark and the special postmark.
Further information about this issue and the sale of associated philatelic products can be obtained from Hongkong Post's website at www.hongkongpost.com, at any post office, or by calling the Hongkong Post Philatelic Bureau hotline 2785 5711.
Ends/Monday, April 10, 2006
Issued at HKT 10:00
NNNN
