Scott No: 2775
Serial number: 1997-10
Values in set: 2
Date of issue: Ren Yu; Wang Huming
Designers: July 1,1997
Size: 50*30mm
Size of the S/S stamps: 60*50mm
Size of S/S: 140*95mm
Perforation: 12
Sheet composition: 50
Printing process: offset

Issued on July 1, 1997, this commemorative stamp set includes two stamps plus one souvenir sheet, printed in offset. Each stamp measures 50×30 mm with a perforation degree of 12, and there are 40 stamps per full sheet. The stamp on the souvenir sheet is 60×50 mm, while the overall sheet size is 140×95 mm. Designed by Ren Yu and Wang Huming, printed by Shenyang Post and Telecommunication Printing Factory of Liaoning Province.

Main Theme of the Set

On July 1, 1997, the Chinese Government resumed the exercise of sovereignty over Hong Kong. Hong Kong’s return to the motherland ended a century of national humiliation, marking a milestone event in the history of the Chinese nation. Centered on the framework of “One Country, Two Systems”, this set features two key legal documents laying the legal foundation for Hong Kong’s return. The souvenir sheet depicts the grand celebration of reunification. It commemorates this solemn historic moment and witnesses an important step forward in the great cause of national reunification.

Stamp Patterns and Historical Background

Sino-British Joint Declaration

The main pattern shows the text of the Sino-British Joint Declaration decorated with flowers. Signed by China and Britain in 1984, the document confirmed that China would resume sovereignty over Hong Kong in 1997. As a critical historical document in the process of Hong Kong’s return, it laid the groundwork for Hong Kong’s smooth transition.

Basic Law of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region

The main pattern features the Basic Law of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region of the People’s Republic of China. The Basic Law institutionalizes the policy of “One Country, Two Systems” in legal form, stipulates the systems to be implemented in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, guarantees its long-term prosperity and stability after reunification, and serves as the constitutional law of the HKSAR.

Souvenir Sheet: The Return of Hong Kong to the Motherland

The inner stamp carries the portrait of Comrade Deng Xiaoping. The sheet border shows the silhouette of Hong Kong cityscape, gorgeous fireworks blooming in the night sky, together with the inscription “One Country, Two Systems”. Deng Xiaoping put forward the great concept of “One Country, Two Systems”, paving the way for Hong Kong’s return. Fireworks and buildings along the Xiangjiang River set off the joyous night of reunification celebrated nationwide.

Artistic Design Features

Gold lines and decorative patterns are widely adopted across the whole set, creating a solemn and noble style that highlights the profound historical significance of the event. The two main stamps follow a unified compositional framework with legal documents as the core, emphasizing the legal foundation of the return. The souvenir sheet applies warm red and orange hues, integrating the portrait, urban landscape and fireworks to build a festive atmosphere. Within the tiny space of stamps, it records this world-famous grand historical ceremony of Hong Kong’s return.