Special 356 Penghu National Scenic Areas Postage Stamps (1996) (D356)

Stamp SN : D356
Stamp Name : Special 356 Penghu National Scenic Areas Postage Stamps (1996)
Stamp Cat Standard : Special Stamps
Stamp Cat : Scenic Spots
Issue date : 1996-05-01
Dimension of stamps(mm.) : 34x26
Printer : China Color Printing Co., Inc., R.O.C.
Sheet composition : 20 (5X4) stamps per sheet
Process : Deep etch offset
Perforation : 12x12 1/2

This Directorate featured 4 scenic spots of the Penghu National Scenic Areas on four stamps issued May 1, 1996. The four scenic spots are known as Chlmei Giant Lion, Chipei Beach, Tungpan Yu, and Tingkou Yu, and they were issued as an attempt to respond to government's efforts to promote tourist industry both at home and abroad. The following is a brief description of the design for this set of stamps: 1. Chimei Giant Lion: A big basalt rock, which looks like a lion crouched along the edge of cliffs and staring down at the sea. Chimei Giant Lion is the most spectacular scene in Chimei Yu, the southernmost island, constituted entirely of basalt rock. 2. Chip Beach: The Beach is situated along the southern part of Chip Yu, the biggest island of Penghu's offshore islands in the north. The golden beach stretches for thousands of meters and, together with the azure sky above and the emerald sea alongside, presents a breathtaking view. 3. Tungpan Yu: Located to the southwest of Makung port, about seven kilometers from Makung, the island is so called because it looks like plates floating upside down on the water. The small island is surrounded by many symmetrical rows of giant basalt columns, the grains of which can be seen clearly with the naked eye. The splendid scene has inspired the name Penghu's Yellowstone Park. 4. Tingkou Yu: The small island lies to the southeast of the island of Chishan Yu, both of which are listed as nature preserves of basalt. On the island are basalt rocks present in various states: some vertical, others slanting, and still others lying horizontally. Many eroded basalt columns can be seen standing so closely side by side that only a little daylight can pass through. The wonderful scenery of the island is nicknamed the "Scenery of Kuei Lin".