Scott No: -
Serial number: 2017-16
Values in set: 3
Date of issue: July 1, 2017
Denomination: 390 fen
Designer: Han Binhua
Size of stamps: 44 * 33 mm
Perforation: 13
Sheet composition: 12
Sheet Size: 155 * 190 mm
Printing process: Photogravure
Printing House: Beijing Postage Stamp Printing Works

July 1, 2017 marks the 20th anniversary of Hong Kong's return to the motherland. Over the past two decades, the practice of "One Country, Two Systems" has yielded fruitful results. Hong Kong has retained its original capitalist system and way of life; it has maintained its status as an international financial, trade and shipping center, and is widely recognized as one of the world’s most competitive regions and the freest economy. Its ties with the mainland have grown closer, its external exchanges have kept expanding, and its international influence has been further enhanced.

The Commemorative Stamps of the 20th Anniversary of Hong Kong's Return to the Motherland were issued by China Post on July 1, 2017 to celebrate the 20th anniversary of Hong Kong's return. The set consists of 3 stamps with the catalog number 2017-16.

The designs of the commemorative stamps are themed respectively as "Dragon Dance over the Xiangjiang River", "A New Look of the Special Administrative Region" and "Chasing Dreams with Bauhinia", with the total face value of the full set being 3.90 yuan.

With a composition full of perspective and depth, and exquisite yet concise depictions of iconic buildings, this stamp set captures the unique charm and character of Hong Kong, reflecting the region’s further progress toward a regionalized, internationalized, technologized and informationized economic and trade development.

The first stamp, Dragon Dance over the Xiangjiang River, features the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre, where celebrations organized by the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region are held. It echoes the national flag and regional flag fluttering high in the Bauhinia Square, and incorporates scenes of dragon and lion dances. Dominated by festive red and orange tones, the stamp portrays the joyous celebrations of people from all walks of life in Hong Kong.

The second stamp, A New Look of the Special Administrative Region, takes four iconic buildings symbolizing innovation and technology in Hong Kong Island and Kowloon as its elements. With the Government Headquarters of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, known as the "Gate of Opening-up", as the main focus, the PMQ (Police Married Quarters), located on the mid-levels of Hong Kong Island, is cleverly placed at the upper left. Below it lies the Kowloon Tong Innovation Centre, and the airship-shaped building in the foreground is the conference center named after Nobel Prize-winning physicist Charles Kao at the Hong Kong Science Park. The stamp demonstrates the determination and achievements of the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, under the leadership of the Central People's Government, to develop innovation, tap into Hong Kong’s great potential and promote Hong Kong’s economic transformation.

The third stamp, Chasing Dreams with Bauhinia, depicts the Exchange Square Building, Hong Kong International Airport and International Commerce Centre. The Tsing Ma Bridge runs through the scene, and an MTR train speeds forward. The color tones of the bauhinia flower imply a beautiful prospect of harmony and prosperity for Hong Kong. It conveys the implication that Hong Kong proactively participates in and supports national construction, explores new advantages while consolidating and enhancing its traditional strengths, and strengthens exchanges and cooperation with the mainland.