Scott No: 2992-99
Serial number: 1999-20
Values in set: 8
Denomination: 1100 fen
Date of issue: 31 December 1999
Designers: Huang Li and Guo Chenghui
Size: 40*30mm
Perforation: 12
Sheet composition: 50
Printing process : offset
Printer: Henan Posts and Telecommunications Printing Works

Commemorative Stamps: The Turn of the Century – Review of the 20th Century was issued on 31 December 1999, this set comprises eight stamps with a total face value of 11 yuan. Designed by Huang Li and Guo Chenghui, the stamps were printed in offset by Henan Post and Telecommunication Printing Factory. Released at the turn of the century, the set selects eight epoch-making major historical events in 20th-century China, reviewing the tremendous changes over the past hundred years and witnessing the great journey of the Chinese nation from striving for national survival to rejuvenation and rise.

The 20th century witnessed earth-shaking transformations in China. Arranged in chronological order, the stamps feature eight milestone events that shaped China’s destiny, condensing a century of arduous struggles. From the 1911 Revolution overthrowing the imperial system, through the founding of New China to reform and opening-up, the stamps fully depict the Chinese nation’s pursuit of independence, liberation and prosperity. At the juncture of two centuries, they look back on history and envision a bright prospect for the new century.

Stamp Designs and Historical Background

The 1911 Revolution

The illustration depicts the Wuchang Uprising, with revolutionaries holding high their banners. The 1911 Revolution broke out in 1911, overthrowing the feudal autocratic monarchy that had ruled China for more than 2,000 years and ushering in the prelude of ideological emancipation in modern China.

The May Fourth Movement

The artwork shows young students marching in demonstrations. The May Fourth Movement erupted in 1919 as a great patriotic revolutionary movement, marking the beginning of China’s New Democratic Revolution.

Birth of the Communist Party of China

The stamp features the Red Boat on South Lake in Jiaxing, the site of the First National Congress of the Communist Party of China. The founding of the Communist Party of China in 1921 brought a completely new outlook to the Chinese revolution.

Victory in the War of Resistance against Japanese Aggression

The picture portrays civilians and soldiers celebrating the victory of the War of Resistance against Japanese Aggression. China achieved the great victory in 1945, the first complete triumph of the Chinese people in modern times in a national liberation struggle against foreign aggression.

Founding Ceremony of the People’s Republic of China

The stamp recreates the grand Founding Ceremony in 1949 with jubilant crowds gathered on Tiananmen Square. The founding of the People’s Republic of China stood the Chinese people up and opened a new era in history.

Two Bombs, One Satellite

The design integrates imagery of atomic bomb detonation and the launch of artificial satellites. The successful development of “Two Bombs, One Satellite” in the 1960s and 1970s greatly boosted China’s national defence capability and international standing.

Reform and Opening-up

Centred on urban construction and modern buildings in Shenzhen, the stamp symbolises reform and opening-up. The Third Plenary Session of the Eleventh Central Committee launched the great drive of reform and opening-up, fuelling rapid national economic growth.

Return of Hong Kong and Macao

The stamp incorporates the regional flags of Hong Kong and Macao to symbolise their return to the motherland. The successive homecomings of Hong Kong and Macao wiped out century-old national humiliations and represented the successful practice of the “One Country, Two Systems” concept.

Artistic Design Features

The whole stamp set adopts a printmaking style with rich, bold colours. Each stamp summarises a major historical event through an iconic scene, creating strong visual impact. The offset printing delivers solid lines and concise depictions of historical scenes. The eight stamps sequentially link key historical moments of China in the 20th century, forming a cohesive series. It stands as a classic chronological stamp set on major historical themes released at the turn of the century.