On December 5, 2001, China issued a set of four special stamps featuring "Xu Xian and White Snake."

One of the four popular legends of China, The Story of the White Snake is widely known, and can be traced back to the Southern Song Dynasty (1127-1279).

On the day of the Festival of Pure Brightness, White Snake (an immortal, who took on the form of a beautiful woman, but if she drank wine, changed into a white snake) and Xu Xian met by chance by the picturesque West Lake. It suddenly began to rain. Xu Xian lent his umbrella to White Snake, and they fell in love. On following the recommendation of the evil monk Fa Hai, on the day of the Dragon Boat Festival Xu Xian made White Snake drink realgar wine, and she transformed into a snake, scaring Xu Xian almost to death. After White Snake had resuscitated Xu Xian, the monk Fa Hai lured him to Jinshan Temple, and when White Snake went to rescue her husband she was interred beneath the temple. After countless difficulties and setbacks, the couple reunited, only for White Snake then to be imprisoned in Leifeng Pagoda. Their romance is known as one of the ten tragedies of China.

This set of special stamps was designed by famous Chinese designer, Dai Guobang. A booklet designed by Wang Huming has also been published, in the form of a novel. It contains vivid illustrations in comic strip form, that tell this time-honored story. An explanation of the picture on each stamp is also provided, accompanied by paintings and calligraphy.