China issues stamps to mark Year of Dragon

Edited and Translated by People's Daily Online

The stamp for the Year of the Dragon went on sale on Jan. 5. Each set contains one stamp, which has a face value of 1.2 yuan, and each person is allowed to buy only one set.

The new stamp for the Year of the Dragon is the third set of its kind in Chinese Zodiac stamps issued by China Post.

The new stamp depicts a grave and dignified dragon resting on land instead of a flying dragon, indicating that the dragon will stay here and ensure peace and stability.

The dragon design was inspired by the dragon robe worn by emperors of the Qing Dynasty and by the Nine-Dragon Wall in the Forbidden City in Beijing.

The design was recently unveiled online, and aroused heated discussion.

Many people find the roaring dragon on the stamp too ferocious, and suggest that it should be gentler.

Chen Shaohua, the stamp’s designer, defended his works by saying that dragon is the deity of the 12 animals in the Chinese Zodiac, and can exorcise evil spirits, prevent disasters, and bless people. It should be dignified, and should not be rendered as a mere cartoon.