In celebration of the 60th anniversary of China-France diplomatic relations, two masterpieces by Wenzhou-born bonsai master Lin Hongxin have been featured on French stamps. These works include the Hongxin Garden in Wenzhou's Lucheng district and the Bonsai World in Shenzhen's Luohu district, both created by Lin.
Earlier this year, the United Nations World Intangible Cultural Heritage Protection Foundation and the Federation of European Philatelic Association invited Lin's gardens to represent Chinese tourist attractions in the "Travel with Stamps - Charming Chinese Attractions on French Stamps" event.
Out of 100 selected garden attractions, Hongxin Garden was the only private garden.
Born in 1937 in Wenzhou, Lin was known as the "Camellia King" before earning the title of "Chinese Bonsai Master." Lin exchanged camellia branches for land in 1983, where he designed and built Hongxin Garden.
The Bonsai World in Shenzhen's Donghu Park, also featured on the stamps, is another of Lin's masterpieces.
Prior to Hong Kong's return to China, the Shenzhen government invited Lin to create a bonsai garden in Donghu Park to commemorate the occasion. Covering 20,000 square meters, it is the largest and most diverse bonsai garden in South China, featuring over 4,000 bonsai of various styles and species. It was recognized as one of Shenzhen's major ecological landscapes in 2002 and named a "Famous Chinese Bonsai Garden" in 2005.
The stamp featuring Bonsai World in Donghu Park. [Photo/66wz.com]
The stamp featuring Hongxin Garden. [Photo/66wz.com]
