Visitors look at a model yesterday of a shachuan, or sand boat, one of four typical ship models in ancient China that plied the Yangtze River, at an exhibition about Shanghai’s maritime history at the White Magnolia Plaza in Hongkou District.

In honor of Maritime Day of China, which is observed tomorrow, an exhibition highlighting Shanghai as a world-class shipping center opened today at White Magnolia Plaza in Hongkou District.

More than 30 artifacts, as well as a number of pictures and video clips, reflecting the achievements of Shanghai’s maritime industry are on display. Many of the pictures are on view for the first time.

The exhibition combs the city’s shipping history from the Tang Dynasty (618-907) to its development after reform and opening up in 1978.

The exhibition runs until July 31, but is closed on Sundays.

Meanwhile, to celebrate the maritime day, a set of commemorative postmarks will be released in post offices around the city for only three days.

The north Bund shipping service center at 150 Huoshan Rd will also become the only maritime post office in Shanghai. The post office has an exclusive postcode 200711 to itself to mark the maritime day’s opening.

Also on the maritime day, a set of postcards with 30 chosen images from last month’s artwork contest “drawing your dream of voyaging” printed on them will be released.