Mascot of the 2009 World Stamp Exhibition (Xinhua Photo) 

The mascot, called the "Peony Messenger", is a flying pink peony with a green message on its hand, which extends the host city's warm welcome to guests from home and abroad.

According to the organizing committee, 63 countries had applied to participate the seven-day exhibition with another 40 countries and regions to come. The exhibition is to receive an estimated 600,000 visitors from China and overseas.

Jointly sponsored by the State Post Bureau, the China Post Group and the All China Philatelic Federation and the People's Government of Henan Province, the 2009 World Stamp Exhibition willopen in Luoyang City, Henan, on April 10, 2009.

(Xinhua News Agency March 27, 2008)