Taroko National Park, Taiwan

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About Stamp (CR#Taiwan Postal Stamps Mall)

Issue Name ::: Flowers Postage Stamp (IV)
Issue Date ::: 2010-05-12
Detail ::: Chunghwa Post previously issued three sets of definitive stamps on flowers on March 12 and October 14, 2009 and January 20, 2010, respectively. Now it is following up with a fourth set, featuring Bauhinia variegata, Euphorbia milii, Brunfelsia hopeana, and Plumeria rubra. The designs follow:

    1. Bauhinia variegata. (NT$0.50) This deciduous tree of the pea family (Fabaceae) is commonly known as the orchid tree, butterfly tree, or camel’s foot. Its leaves are either round or shaped like a wide heart with a cleft on both base and apex, so that they resemble the hoof of a goat. Its inflorescences, which are axillary, each have five pale pink petals, one with red purple veins. This sun-loving tree is a great ornamental and street tree.
    2. Euphorbia milii (NT$9.00) This evergreen shrub of the spurge family (Euphorbiaceae) is commonly known as crown of thorns. Its thick and erect stems are densely covered with thorns. Its leaves are long and ovate-shaped. What are commonly described as the plant’s flowers are actually brick-red bracts. The actual flowers are located inside the bracts and are either orange or yellow in color. Every part of the plant is poisonous. It prefers warm weather and is suitable to plant in containers or a hedge.
    3. Brunfelsia hopeana (NT$13.00) This evergreen shrub of the nightshade family (Solanaceae) is commonly known as manaca. Its leaves are elliptical to obovate. The blooms are blue at first and fade to white gradually, giving the plant two colors of flowers at the same time. The flowers send out a faint fragrance at night. The plant’s roots, bark, stems and leaves are poisonous. It prefers warm weather and is suitable for ornamental planting in gardens, large containers, or as a hedge.
    4. Plumeria rubra (NT$17.00) This small deciduous tree of the dogbane family (Apocynaceae) is commonly known as frangipani. The plant has thick branches and possesses a toxic milky sap. Its leaves are broad lanceolate to long elliptical. Its fragrant flowers, creamy white with a yellow center, have five oval-shaped petals, which have a propeller-like arrangement. This sun lover has a long flowering season, making it a great garden specimen.

Issue Name ::: Birds of Taiwan Postage Stamps (II)
Issue Date ::: 2008-01-30
Detail ::: After issuing the first of the “Birds of Taiwan” definitive stamp series on November 3, 2007, Taiwan Post followed up with a second set of four stamps, featuring Dicrurus aeneus, Lanius schach, Dendrocitta formosae and Pycnonotus sinensis. The designs of the stamps follow:

    1. Dicrurus aeneus (NT$1.00): A subspecies endemic to Taiwan, the bird is about 23 centimeters in length. Its whole body is covered in black plumage with a blue metallic sheen. Its tail is fairly long and forked like a fishtail.
    2. Lanius schach (NT$2.50): This common resident bird, about 25 centimeters in length, is a subspecies endemic to Taiwan. It is bluish gray from the crown to the upper back, and its fairly wide black eyeline that extends from its forehead to its nape gives it the appearance of wearing a black mask. Its scapular is reddish brown, and its black flight feathers have a lighter edge. Its throat, breast, and belly are white; its undertail coverts are reddish brown; and its tail feathers are black.
    3. Dendrocitta formosae (NT$10.00): This common resident bird, about 34 centimeters in length, is a subspecies endemic to Taiwan. The coloration of the bird is largely black, gray and brown. Its black hooked beak is thick and powerful and slightly bents downward. Its forehead and cheeks are black and its crown and nape are grayish black. Its wings are black with white wing patches. Its back and breast are chestnut colored and its belly pale gray. Its tail is long and black with gray uppertail coverts and orange brown undertail coverts. 
    4. Pycnonotus sinensis (NT$32.00): This common resident bird, about 18 centimeters in length, is a subspecies endemic to Taiwan. It is mostly yellow-green in color. Its forehead and nape are black and its crown white. There is a round white patch on each of its cheeks. The areas from its lores to its ear coverts and cheeks are brownish black. Its upper breast is pale grayish brown, its back, uppertail coverts and marginal coverts are gray with a touch of yellow green. Its breast and belly are pale gray. Its wings and tail feathers are olive yellow.

Issue Name ::: Personal Greeting Stamps –Travel in Taiwan
Issue Date ::: 2011-09-27
Detail ::: So as to provide its customers with more design options, Chunghwa Post is following up with a new set of personal greeting stamps, centering on travel in Taiwan with ten designs. Each of the designs is printed in two denominations: NT$3.5 and NT$5 with different colors for the inscriptions and the denominations. Using the concept of collages of various types for the design, the stamps possess a distinct texture and charm and take us on a round-the-island tour to discover the beauty of Taiwan’s famous scenic spots. The designs follow:

    1. The National Palace Museum (NT$5): A treasure trove of important Chinese historical and cultural artifacts, the museum is a must-see attraction in Taiwan.
    2. The Taipei 101 (NT$5): The Taipei 101 fireworks display is the highlight of the New Year’s countdown celebration in Taipei. Watching beautiful fireworks explode in the sky provides a wonderful memory.
    3. Sun Moon Lake (NT$5): The beauty of Sun Moon Lake lies in its tranquility. The stamp depicts a land of enchantment, where a thin veil of fog blurs the human silhouettes on small rowing boats. The scene brings to mind the carefree joys of drinking alone under the moon as described in Li Bai’s poetry.
    4. Yushan (The Jade Mountain) (NT$5): Yushan, an eternal landmark of Taiwan, symbolizes the unswerving determination of the people of Taiwan. Many people, longing for the panoramic views and sense of accomplishment gained from reaching the summit, set climbing Yushan as one of their lifetime goals.
    5. Alishan (NT$5): Its sea of clouds, forests, cherry blossoms, narrow-gauge trains, and magnificent sunrises make Alishan a favorite attraction among travelers.
    6. Love River in Kaohsiung (NT$5): After environmental restoration, Love River has become a new spotlighted feature of the city. The dragon boat races held during the Dragon Boat Festival captures perfectly the passion and energy of southern Taiwan.
    7. Kenting (NT$5): Kenting is a hot tourist destination in the summer. Lazily sunbathing under the blue sky or sitting under an umbrella is a perfect way to enjoy a hot summer day on the beach.
    8. The Liushidan Mountain (NT$5): The yellow sea of daylilies here creates a mystical Shangri-La in Hualian. The stamp depicts a plainly dressed farming woman happily and diligently picking daylily flowers.
    9. The Taroko National Park (NT$5): The Park offers a treasure chest of geological resources. Two visitors joyously gesturing on a winding trail while marveling at the craftsmanship of Mother Nature.
    10. Jiufen (NT$5): To enjoy a drizzling day in this mountain town is to sip tea in a tea house while gazing upon tourists strolling down the quaint street outside.

Thanks ::: Lisa (LisaChen)

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