Scott No: -
Serial number: 2009-30
Values in set: 3
Date of issue: December 20, 2009
Denomination: 390 fen
Designer: He Jie
Size of stamps: 44 * 33 mm
Perforation: 13
Sheet composition: 12
Printing process: Photogravure
Printing House: Beijing Postage Stamp Printing Works

On December 20, 2009, the commemorative stamp "10th Anniversary of Macau's Return to China" (catalog number 2009-31) was officially issued. The set consists of three stamps with face values of 1.20 yuan, 1.20 yuan, and 1.50 yuan, for a total face value of 3.90 yuan. The stamps were designed by He Jie, printed using the photogravure process by Beijing Stamp Printing Works. China Post, in collaboration with Macau Post, also issued a joint souvenir sheet containing three stamps from the mainland and three stamps from Macau.

On December 20, 1999, the Chinese government resumed the exercise of sovereignty over Macau, and the Macau Special Administrative Region was formally established. In 2009, marking the tenth anniversary of Macau's return, the stamps are divided into three themes: celebration, cooperation, and prosperity. They present the successful practice of the "One Country, Two Systems" policy, with Macau people administering Macau and a high degree of autonomy. The stamps document the social stability, economic growth, and deepened economic and cultural integration between the mainland and Macau over the past decade, demonstrating the vitality of "One Country, Two Systems" and conveying the vision of a shared future for the motherland and Macau.

Stamp Designs and Historical Background:

Celebration

Image: The main design features the Golden Lotus sculpture, a symbol of Macau, with the five-star red flag and the Macau SAR flag in the background, and doves of peace flying around, with the years "1999–2009" inscribed on the stamp.
Significance: The Golden Lotus is an iconic symbol of Macau. This stamp captures the historic moment of Macau's return, symbolizing the nationwide celebration of Macau's return to the motherland.

Cooperation

Image: The design features the Senado Square buildings and the Macau Tower, with the prominent "CEPA" text and doves of peace.
Significance: CEPA (Closer Economic Partnership Arrangement) is an important policy for enhancing economic and trade cooperation between the mainland and Macau, symbolizing the deepening cooperation and exchange in economy, trade, culture, and tourism since the return.

Prosperity

Image: The design features modern urban landmarks such as the Sai Van Bridge, Macau Science Center, and the Grand Lisboa, with a vibrant sunset skyline.
Significance: The stamp presents the continuous improvement of Macau's infrastructure, urban renewal, and the flourishing development of tourism and diversified industries, reflecting Macau's economic prosperity and improved quality of life over the decade.

Artistic and Design Features:

The set features a unified horizontal format with bright and rich colors, transitioning from red to blue to warm orange, creating a peaceful and festive atmosphere. The design integrates Macau's unique East-West urban character, presenting iconic sculptures, historic districts, and modern architecture in an orderly manner. The dove of peace appears throughout the three stamps as a unifying visual theme. The shaped perforations enhance anti-counterfeiting and recognizability. The joint souvenir sheet, which integrates stamps from both regions, is a representative example of postal cooperation between the mainland and Macau.

This stamp set is a major commemorative issue on the theme of national reunification, marking the tenth anniversary of Macau's return. Available in multiple formats including stamp set, large sheet, and the mainland-Macau joint souvenir sheet, it is often collected together with the 1999-18 "Macau's Return to the Motherland" stamp and the Hong Kong return series, making it an important item for thematic collections on Hong Kong, Macau, and Taiwan.