More than 500 designers and artists have participated in the design of Chinese stamps over the past seven decades, making these small paper squares a grand showcase of the natural wonders and rich culture of China.

China Philately opened a special themed post office, which also serves as a center for stamp designers and collectors, at its office building in Hepingmen, Beijing on Monday.

The new space recreates work scenarios of stamp designers of different generations at China Philately. It will also hold regular events where new stamps are launched, designers show their works, and people can have their collections authenticated and evaluated.

The first designer exhibition to celebrate the opening displays works by Shao Bolin, who created and collaborated with artists to produce many iconic postage stamps in his career of several decades at China Philately.

Highlights at the exhibition through May 12 include the "Golden Monkey Stamp" which Shao created together with prominent artist Huang Yongyu for the issuance of the Year of Monkey stamp in 1980.