With the rapid development of modern technology, communication has become almost instantaneous — just a tap of a screen. The once-cherished art of writing letters and affixing stamps seems like a forgotten relic. Yet, for a dedicated community of collectors, stamps are not just valuable artifacts but carriers of deep emotional connections, culture, history and art. Despite the prevalence of digital communication, this unique tradition remains alive, as evidenced by the passionate crowds that gathered at last year's China 2024 Asian International Stamp Exhibition in Shanghai.

On Nov 29, the city witnessed an extraordinary gathering of stamp enthusiasts at the Shanghai Exhibition Center. The event buzzed with excitement as visitors of all ages flocked to the exhibition to celebrate the global art and culture of philately. Among them was 65-year-old Liang Bin, a seasoned philatelist from Taizhou, Zhejiang province. Liang had traveled to Shanghai for what he described as "a grand gathering for philately".

A collector for nearly 50 years, Liang was among the first to arrive, braving the chilly winter morning and standing in a long queue that stretched well beyond the entrance of the exhibition hall.

"It's not just about the stamps, it's about the connections," Liang said as he carefully affixed some stamps to a special envelope designed for the event. He was preparing to send these to fellow philatelists, some of whom he has been corresponding with for decades.

"I've been sending letters to a friend in Taiwan for over 30 years. We've shared our joys and sorrows, from family celebrations to losses, and even sent each other money in the post. We're more than friends, we're like family," he added.

For Liang, the act of writing and sending a letter is far from a simple task — it is a meaningful ritual. The exchange of letters, often adorned with carefully chosen stamps, had become a deeply rooted tradition for many philatelists.