Water is one of the world's most precious resources. To raise people's awareness of protecting water resources, on January 18, 1993, the 47th United Nations General Assembly declared March 22 as World Day for Water in accordance with the proposal made in Agenda 21 of the United Nations Conference on Environment and Development. World Water Day has been observed on March 22 since 1993 in an effort to promote comprehensive planning and management of water resources in all countries. Meanwhile, observance strengthens public awareness of exploring and protecting water resources through a wide range of publicity and educational activities. March 22, 2013 is the 20th World Water Day.
China National Philatelic Corporation will issue a FDC and a commemorative cancellation respectively.
China started its offshore oil industry in 1950s and has initially set up a complete offshore oil industry system through Sino-foreign cooperation and independent innovation. “Hai Yang Shi You 720”displayed on the stamp is Asia’s first-generation geophysical vessel for three-dimensional deepwater seismic survey, independently designed and built by China. With a length of 107.4 meters, a molded breadth of 24 meters, and a molded depth of 9.6 meters, the vessel is capable of towing twelve 8,000-meter streamers and double seismic detectors with 8 air-gun arrays, providing an average 3D acquisition area of 60 square kilometers per day. The vessel was put into use at South China Sea in May 2011, marking China’s successful access to the most advanced field of deep sea oil exploration equipment in the world.
China National Philatelic Corporation will issue three FDCs and a commemorative cancellation respectively.
According to Chinese lunar calendar, 2013 marks Gui-Si Year, or the Year of the Snake. In traditional Chinese culture, the snake is considered to represent the virtue of being grateful and repaying kindness. The famous folklore "Legend of the White Snake" has it that to repay Xu Xian for his kindness, the White Snake turns into a beautiful woman to marry him. The book In Search of the Supernatural of the Jin Dynasty provides another example. During the Spring and Autumn Period (770-476 B.C.), the Marquis of Sui found a wounded snake when he was out walking one day. He immediately ordered his attendant to save its life with medicine. Later, the snake held a brilliant pearl in its mouth and presented it to the marquis in gratitude for his kindness. Hence, the image of a snake holding a pearl in mouth is often regarded as an auspicious sign. The snake on the stamp, inspired by the theme of "grateful snake," holds a precious pearl in mouth and transforms into Ganoderma lucidum grass at the tail, symbolizing good luck. Its body is decorated with patterns of spring peach blossoms, summer lotus, autumn chrysanthemums, and winter plum blossoms, implying peace all year round.
China National Philatelic Corporation will issue a FDC and a commemorative cancellation respectively.