Hong Kong issues a set of special stamps, under the theme of "four great inventions of Ancient China" on Thursday, Aug. 18, 2005. (Xinhua Photo)

Hong Kong Post issued on Thursday a set of special stamps featuring the "Four Great Inventions of Ancient China."

Hong Kong Postmaster General Allan Chiang said at the special stamps issuing ceremony that in this new set of stamps entitled "Four Great Inventions of Ancient China", Hong Kong Post showcases four revolutionary Chinese technologies -- the compass, printing, gunpowder and papermaking of which every Chinese is proud.

The concept of the set of special stamps came from a middle school student who put forward the idea for Hong Kong Post who solicited themes for stamp designing two years ago.

Chiang said "China has a glorious ancient civilization. Our numerous discoveries and inventions have shaped the development of science and impacted on human civilizations around the world."

He said print and papermaking facilitated wide spreading of knowledge and universal access to education. With the inventions, exchange of communication became more direct and thorough in the form of letters or printed matter, giving rise to the need for a universal postal service.

The use of compass and gunpowder ushered us into the brave new world of exploration and ambition as they played an important role in the development of sea, land and air transport, as well as in the advancement of blasting and construction technology, he added.

Editor: Wing