Pingnan unveils 'mandarin ducks' stamps

( chinadaily.com.cn )

Updated: 2015-08-25

Pingnan authorities unveiled a new series of special stamps with the theme of mandarin ducks during the Chinese Valentine's Day on August 20. [Photo/pingnan.ccoo.cn]

Pingnan authorities unveiled a new series of special stamps with the theme of mandarin ducks during the Chinese Valentine's Day on August 20.

This set of stamps, issued by China Post, is about couples of mandarin ducks at a lotus pond in Pingnan.

In traditional Chinese culture, mandarin ducks are believed to be lifelong couples. Hence they are regarded as a symbol of conjugal affection and fidelity, and are frequently featured in Chinese art.

Mandarin Ducks Creek – a world geopark and national scenic spot in the northeast of Pingnan county – is the only natural reserve for mandarin ducks in China.

It stretches 14 kilometers and consists of Baishui Lake, Mandarin Ducks Creek, Cha Creek, Baizhu Yang, Kao Creek and Mandarin Ducks Lake.

Every year, hundreds of mandarin ducks migrate from the north of the country to escape the winter cold – they were found in Pingnan about 100 years ago.

Pingnan has strived to combine local culture and scenic spots to build a famed tourism brand. In 2014, the county received 2.49 million Chinese and foreign tourists, reaping in 1.62 billion yuan ($253.25 million) in tourism revenue.