The China 2024 Asian International Stamp Exhibition opened in Shanghai on Friday, bringing together stamp collectors and enthusiasts from 69 countries and regions in a celebration of cultural exchange through stamp collecting.

With the theme "Stamps Present Asian Culture", the five-day event features over 1,600 competitive frame exhibits and 48 philatelic literature pieces, setting a new attendance record for the Asian international stamp show.

Addressing the opening ceremony, Liu Wei, China's minister of transport, underscored the exhibition's role as an important platform for mutual understanding between peoples and nations.

"China will work with all parties to leverage this exhibition's bridging role, strengthen the promotion of philatelic culture and enhance its influence," Liu said. "We will use this opportunity to facilitate friendly interactions, common development and multichannel cultural exchanges in the international philatelic community."

Shanghai, the birthplace of China's postal service, is seen as an ideal host with its profound stamp-collection culture and vibrant activities, said the city's mayor Gong Zheng. "Shanghai will draw upon its rich cultural resources to drive innovation, collaboration and the high-quality development of the philatelic industry."

Prakob Chirakiti, president of the Federation of Inter-Asian Philately, commended China's contributions in hosting major philatelic events and promoting exchanges, demonstrating its influence as a "philatelic powerhouse".

To commemorate the occasion, China Post issued a set of four stamps and a souvenir sheet approved by the State Post Bureau.

The exhibition introduces new elements, such as first-day covers and themed days focusing on Shanghai culture, youth engagement and FIAP. Over 20 seminars, product launches and cultural activities are planned.

It also features two highlights. One exhibit showcases the transformations and milestones across sectors since the founding of the People's Republic of China 75 years ago, especially after the 18th National Congress of the Communist Party of China. Another exhibition brings together 28 stamp collections from the China National Post and Postage Stamp Museum, including the renowned Large Dragon Stamp.

Organizers have launched online 3D exhibitions and sales sections, allowing global audiences to tour the highlights virtually through immersive digital displays modeled after the Shanghai Exhibition Center venue.