Hongkong Post to issue “Characters in Jin Yong’s Novels” special stamps (with photos)

     Hongkong Post announced today (November 21) the release of a set of special stamps on the theme of "Characters in Jin Yong's Novels", together with associated philatelic products, on December 6 (Thursday). 
      
     Louis Cha began weaving his martial arts world under the pen name Jin Yong in 1955, and by 1972 he had written 15 immensely popular novels that are still devoured today by readers around the world. In his well-constructed martial arts fiction, Jin Yong created a myriad of unique and distinctive characters. Jin Yong's oeuvre transcends geographical and temporal boundaries, and has captured the hearts of Chinese readers the world over for generations.
      
     The renowned Chinese martial arts novelist passed away at the age of 94 on October 30. He showed the world the wonders of Chinese classics, integrating highly valued elements of culture and history with extraordinary creativity. It is hoped that the compilation and release of this set of special stamps may in some way serve to commemorate Cha's life and his timeless works.
      
     The set of special stamps on "Characters in Jin Yong's Novels" features a number of unforgettable characters in seven immensely popular Jin Yong novels. They are Guo Jing and Huang Rong from "The Eagle-shooting Heroes" ($2), Chen Jialuo from "The Book and the Sword" ($2.60), Linghu Chong and Ren Yingying from "The Smiling, Proud Wanderer" ($3.40), Zhang Wuji from "The Heaven Sword and the Dragon Sabre" ($3.70), Yang Guo and Xiaolongnü from "The Giant Eagle and its Companion" ($4.90), Wei Xiaobao and Kangxi from "The Deer and the Cauldron" ($5) and Qiao Feng, Xu Zhu and Duan Yu from "The Demi-Gods and Semi-Devils" ($10 Stamp Sheetlet). Hongkong Post invited renowned comic artist Lee Chi-ching to draw the characters using traditional Chinese painting techniques, and stamp designer Gideon Lai then turned these beautiful illustrations into stamps.
      
     Hongkong Post is also launching the first stamp booklet with 30 attractive stamps featuring Zhang Wuji practising tai chi. People can flip the pages of the booklet quickly or scan the QR code on the back cover to see this supreme kung fu in consecutive moves. This will surely be a highly collectible item for both stamp lovers and Jin Yong readers.
      
     Official First Day Covers at $1.30 each will be put on sale at all post offices from tomorrow (November 22). The special stamps and associated philatelic products will be displayed at the General Post Office, Tsim Sha Tsui Post Office, Tsuen Wan Post Office, Sha Tin Central Post Office and Tuen Mun Central Post Office from the same day. Advance orders for servicing self-provided covers will be accepted at all philatelic offices from tomorrow (November 22) to November 28.
      
     Information about this special stamp issue and associated philatelic products is available on the Hongkong Post website at www.hongkongpost.hk and via the Hongkong Post mobile app.

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