BEIJING, Dec. 1 (Xinhua) -- Confucius Institute Headquarters (Hanban) and the China Post Group on Saturday jointly issued two pieces of special stamps on the Confucius Institutes, which have sprung up across the world since 2004.

The stamps featuring the theme of exchange and teaching were the first such stamps ever issued by China Post.

Photo taken on Dec. 1, 2012 shows the newly issued special stamps of Confucius Institute in Handan City, north China's Hebei Province. China Post Group issued nationwide a set of special stamps of Confucius Institute themed "interaction"and "teaching" on Saturday. (Xinhua/Wang Jiuzhong)

A philately lover shows the newly bought special stamps of Confucius Institute in Handan City, north China's Hebei Province, Dec. 1, 2012. China Post Group issued nationwide a set of special stamps of Confucius Institute themed "interaction"and "teaching" on Saturday. (Xinhua/Wang Jiuzhong)

Over the past eight years, China has promoted the establishment of the Chinese-language schools worldwide, in an effort to boost friendly ties and spread Chinese culture, said Xu Lin, head of Hanban.

Confucius Institute Headquarters has founded 400 Confucius Institutes and over 500 Confucius Classrooms in 108 foreign countries since 2004, in collaboration with local educational institutions, Xu said.