Hong Kong Post unveils the World Heritage in China Series featuring stamp sheetlets showcasing the natural and cultural gems of our motherland. The stamp sheetlet series no. 1 presented the Great Wall. The stamp includes the First Day Cover issued on September 27, 2012. The stamp sheetlet was designed by LI Shik-kwong, Ken
The Great Wall is the world's largest military structure as well as one of the greatest ancient defensive projects. The Great Wall demonstrates the indomitable perseverance and high wisdom of the ancient Chinese, unparalleled technological advances in ancient China and the long history of the Chinese nation.
The construction of the Great Wall dates back to around 220 BC when, under the reign of Qin Shihuang, stretching over 6700 kilometres in total, comprises not only solid defensive walls but also other features such as passes favorable for defense, watchtowers used for food and weapon storage, and beacon towers used for passing military messages.
The stamp sheetlet captures the awe-inspiring magnificence of the Great Wall from different perspectives.
Silhouetted against the sunset across the upper part of the sheetlet is Jiayuguan. Its imposing grandeur has earned it the reputation of being the "First and Greatest Pass Under Heaven". In the old days, it was a transportation hub of the Silk Road and a strategic point on the border.
On the left side of the sheetlet and on the stamp is the Badaling-section of the Great Wall. Advantageously located and with a precipitous landscape, Badaling lies on a gateway between north and south. On the right side of the sheetlet is the Jinshanling section of the Great Wall. Strategically built on undulating mountain ridges, the Jinshanling was a natural target during ancient warfare because of its important location on the frontier.
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