Hongkong Post will launch a special stamp issue and associated philatelic products with the theme "Intangible Cultural Heritage - Dragon and Lion Dance" on Feb 23, 2021. This photo issued on Feb 10 shows the mint stamps, stamp sheetlets and special postmark. (PHOTO / INFORMATION SERVICES DEPARTMENT, HKSAR GOVT)

HONG KONG - Ahead of the Chinese Lunar New Year on Friday, Hongkong Post said Wednesday it will issue special stamps on five local intangible cultural heritages, including the dragon and lion dance, to improve the preservation of traditional cultural gems.

Scheduled for launch on Feb 23, the issuance comprises a set of four stamps that feature the lion dance, pixiu dance, qilin dance and Chinese dragon dance, and two stamp sheetlets that present scenes of the Tai Hang fire dragon dance performed during the Mid-Autumn Festival.

The pixiu, qilin and Chinese dragon are all auspicious creatures in mythologies.

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This Feb 10, 2021 photo shows the cover and inside of the presentation pack of special stamps on the theme of "Intangible Cultural Heritage - Dragon and Lion Dance". (PHOTO / INFORMATION SERVICES DEPARTMENT, HKSAR GOVT)

With vivid and delicate brushstrokes, the meticulous details and lively postures of these creatures are illustrated on the four stamps. The sheetlets portray the fire dragon parading through streets and alleys in the hands of performers.

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Apart from the stamps, associated products, including a first-day cover, a mini-pane, a presentation pack and a serviced first-day cover, will also be placed on sale at post offices on Feb 23.

This Feb 10, 2021 photo shows the mini-pane. (PHOTO / INFORMATION SERVICES DEPARTMENT, HKSAR GOVT)