By opening wider to the outside world, Central China's Henan province has been injecting new vitality into its historical and cultural heritages in recent years. Foreign stamps with the symbols of Henan, such as the Hongqiqu Canal, Taijiquan, Mythical Creature-themed Mural Painting, etc., have become the "name cards" of the province, presenting the brilliant Central Plain culture to the world.
The commemorative stamps. [Photo provided to dahe.cn]
On February 14, a series of stamps were issued to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Mexico.The stamps jointly released by both sides show two historical and cultural landmarks: the Dengfeng Observatory in Henan, and the Pyramid of Kukulkan in Chichen Itza, Mexico. The Dengfeng-themed stamp has left a deep impression on those fond of collecting stamps, "Henanadds luster to the world with its brilliant culture!"
The Observatory stamp and the Pyramid stamp in a set symbolize not only a "dialogue" between the Chinese civilization and the Maya civilization across time and space, but also the time-honored friendly exchanges between China and Mexico. "The two stamps go nicely with each other, one for night while the other for the sun. The Dengfeng Observatory-themed stamp presents Henan to the world in a vivid way. Henan is becoming more wonderful and international." A stamp-collecting lover from Henan's Luoyang city told dahe.cn.
The Dengfeng Observatory. [Photo provided to dahe.cn]
The Dengfeng Observatory, located in Gaocheng town of Henan's Dengfeng city, was built by Chinese astronomer Guo Shoujing in 1276, which is not only the earliest and well-preserved observatory in China, but also a significant part of China's 24 solar terms registered on the UNESCO Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. The Pyramid of Kukulkan, located in Yucatan Peninsula of Mexico, is one of the important sites of the Mayan civilization. (Text: Zhao Hanqing Wang Jiaqi Poster: Wang Junyi Proofreader: Li Wenjing)
