Qingyan ancient town, one of the most famous and historic towns in Guizhou province, was selected to feature in a series of special postage stamps released on May 19.

The Qingyan ancient town stamps are designed by Zhang Hongbin and embossed by Hao Ou. Inspired by the architecture in the town, they are created in the style of an exquisite line drawing, watercolor and engravings.

Qingyan ancient town was built in 1378 during the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644), and used as a military fort. In 2010 and 2013, the town was honored as "one of most charming towns in China" and the "hometown of Chinese poetry".

The whole set of the special stamps is entitled "Chinese Ancient Town II", the second of its kind to be released in the country, consists of six kinds of stamps, and will have a nominal value of 1.2 yuan each.

Other stamps in the collection include Zhentong ancient town in Jiangsu province, Qiliping ancient town in Hubei, Zhujiajiao ancient town in Shanghai, Sanhe ancient town in Anhui and Huangyao ancient town in Guangxi.

A set of special postage stamps released on May 19 feature Qinyan, one of Guizhou province's most famous ancient towns. [Photo/Xinhua]

Edited by Owen Fishwick