The emblem and mascot of the 2009 World Stamp Exhibition were unveiled in China on Wednesday, under the theme "A gathering in the City of Peonies".

The emblem, with a stamp-shaped blue background, features an ancient city gate of Luoyang, the host city, below a blooming peony with its seven petals in the shape of pigeons.

The emblem symbolizes the host city's long history, profound culture and distinctive regional characteristics, according to the sponsors.

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 will open in Luoyang City, Henan, on April 10, 2009.