Cultural narratives

The artistic and historical value of stamps are also major draws. Designers like Jiang Weijie, one of China's most renowned stamp designers, view stamps as "national calling cards".

"Stamps represent a country's culture, achievements and beauty," Jiang said. "They are much more than just a means of payment; they are windows into a country's identity."

Jiang's approach to designing stamps is meticulous, with an emphasis on artistic excellence.

"Once a stamp is issued, it can never be retracted. We must ensure that every design is flawless, as it represents not only the nation but also the cultural heritage of the people," he said.

His dedication to cultural representation is evident in the way Chinese stamps often features landmarks, historical figures and traditional customs — helping to tell the story of China's past and present.

Li Hao, a young stamp designer and engraver, feels fortunate to have found a profession he loves — engraving the steel plates used to make stamps. "There's a sense of fulfillment in turning a simple design into something tangible that will be part of history," Li said.

"It took me about 10 years to truly adapt to the profession," he added.

"After graduating from university, I joined the stamp factory, and when I was tasked with designing a stamp of the Mogao Caves (a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Dunhuang, Gansu province), I felt a deep connection with the Buddha sculptures. It was as if the art came alive as I engraved it, and I applied everything my teacher had taught me."

Yang Zhiying, a senior stamp designer and engraver, spoke of the delicate process involved in stamp engraving.

"A stamp is just 3 cm by 4 cm, but it takes two months for a skillful engraver to complete," Yang said.

"Every stroke must be perfect, and there's no room for error. If I make even a slight mistake, the entire plate is ruined, and we must start again with a new one."

Yang views stamp engraving as an essential cultural art that needs preservation. "We're training the next generation to keep this craft alive because it's not just about creating stamps — it's about preserving a meaningful cultural tradition," she said.

One of the most compelling aspects of philately is its ability to capture and preserve moments in time. Designers like Pan Hu, who has worked on several commemorative stamps, see stamp creation as a form of historical documentation.

"Stamps are like time capsules — they record moments in history. Every stamp is a piece of history," Pan said.