Scott No: -
Serial number: 2004-20
Values in set: 2
Denomination: 160 fen
Date of issue: September 15, 2004
Designer: Li Xin
Size of stamp: 33*44 mm
Perforation: 13.5*13
Sheet composition:
9 for Sheet I;
6 (3 sets) for Sheet II
Printing process: offset
Printer: Shenyang Post & Telecommunication Printing Works

This commemorative stamp set, 50th Anniversary of the People's Congress System, was issued on September 15, 2004. It consists of two stamps with a total face value of 1.60 yuan, designed by Zhou Yue, with Shi Yuan serving as the responsible editor, and printed by Henan Post and Telecommunications Printing Factory using offset printing. In 1954, the First Session of the First National People's Congress was convened, marking the formal establishment of the People's Congress system. In 2004, marking the fiftieth anniversary of this fundamental political system, China Post issued this commemorative stamp set to reflect on its development and highlight the achievements of China's socialist democratic politics.

The People's Congress system is the fundamental political system of China and an important form of people's democracy. Over the past fifty years, People's Congresses at all levels have exercised legislative, supervisory, decision-making, and appointive powers, widely reflecting public opinion and ensuring public participation in governance. As the country has developed and reformed, the People's Congress system has continued to improve, with democratic legislation and public participation becoming more common, and grassroots democracy expanding. This system has played an irreplaceable role in the rule of law, people's welfare, and social governance. This commemorative stamp set visually documents fifty years of development, conveying the core principles of rule of law and people's democracy.

Stamp Designs and Historical Background

First Session of the First National People's Congress

The stamp recreates the historic scene of the First Session of the First National People's Congress. The solemn atmosphere of the venue captures the foundational moment of New China's democratic system, marking the birth of the People's Congress system.

Meeting Hall of the National People's Congress

The stamp depicts the modern meeting hall of the Great Hall of the People. The grand and dignified architecture represents the contemporary venue for NPC deliberations, symbolizing the ongoing development and improvement of the People's Congress system in the new era.

Artistic and Design Features

The horizontal format features a realistic and solemn design style, with steady and grand colors. The historical scene and modern architecture create a contrast across time, visually reflecting the development and transformation over fifty years. The offset printing provides rich and balanced colors. The stamps incorporate multiple anti-counterfeiting features, including security paper, security ink, and fluorescent spray codes. The overall style is dignified and rigorous, carrying a strong sense of historical commemoration.

This stamp set is a commemorative issue on the theme of political systems, suitable for thematic collections on major historical events and the rule of law and democracy.