An international stamp exhibition which displays elaborate stamps from 24 Asian countries and regions opened in Mianyang, southwest China's Sichuan Province.

The five-day China-Mianyang 2003 Asia International Stamp Exhibition has attracted more than 3,000 visitors who will enjoy 1,500 cases of valuable and unique Chinese and foreign stamps.

China put forward 567 cases of stamps and 78 documents on stamps.

Other activities such as an international philatelic symposium, and an auction of elaborate stamps and philately will be staged during the exhibition period.

Wu Jichuan, chairman of the organizing committee, said the exhibition was designed to boost cultural and artistic exchanges between the members of the Inter-Asia Philatelic Federation, enhance the friendship between China and other countries and promote the development of philately.

The exhibition was also held to mark the 125th anniversary of the issue of China's first stamp -- "Dalong" (Big Dragon).

Representatives from 24 of the 28 members of the Inter-Asia Philatelic Federation and the International Philatelic Federation will attend the event.

(Xinhua News Agency November 21, 2003)