China has issued a set of stamps featuring scenes from ancient Chinese mythology.

A ceremony for the release of the stamps was held in Xiaxian County of north China's Shanxi Province. The county was capital of the Xia Dynasty (2070-1600 B.C.), a slave state, and several mythological stories are said to have taken place in the area.

The set includes six stamps featuring six stories well known among the Chinese public. The total value of the stamps is 6.4 yuan (91 U.S. cents).

"The illustrations on the stamps have delicate lines and great colors, and they have strong visual effects," said Zhang Limei, from the county branch of China Post.

The first set of stamps based on Chinese mythology was issued in 1987, also featuring six stamps.