Background Informations:
On May 10, 2008, China National Philatelic Corporation issued three first-day covers titled "Summer Palace" and a souvenir sheet cover. The first-day covers bear one set of six special stamps, with a total face value of 7.20yuan. The picures on the stamps are "Shiqikong Bridge", "Long Corridor", "Clear and Peaceful Boat", "Gardon of Harmonious Interests", "Yudai Bridge" and "Back Lake". And the souvenir sheet, with a face value of 6.00 yuan, is "Tower of the Fragrance of the Buddha".
The Summer Palace, originally named Qingyiyuan(Garden of Clear Ripples) is situated in the northwestern outskirts of Beijing. It was first constructed in the 15th year of Qing Emperor Qianlong's reign(1750). It covers an area of 2.9 sq km, three quarters of which is water space. There are Longevity Hill, Kunming Lake, ancient architectural complexes, Long Corridor, Marble Boat, and priceless collection of cultural relics. Since the founding of the People's Republic of China, the Summer Palace has undergone several massive renovations of the Four Great Regions, Suzhou Street, Pavilion of Bright Scenery and Wenchang Gallery. In 1998, the UNESCO included the Summer Palace on its World Heritage List.
