Serial number: 2009-25
Scott Number: -
Values in set: 4 + 1
Denomination: 480 fen + 600 fen
Date of issue: October 1, 2009
Size of stamp: 55 * 30 mm
Perforation: 13
Sheet composition:
12 for Sheet I;
8 for Sheet II (2 sets)
Size of sheet:
205 * 170 mm for Sheet I;
150 * 170 mm for Sheet II
Size of S/S: 115 * 93 mm
Size of S/S stamp: 48 * 34 mm
Perforation of S/S: 13.5
Printing process: Photogravure
Designer of stamp: Zhang Yimou, Chen Mingjie
Printer: Beijing Postage Stamp Printing House

Commemorative Stamps The 60th Anniversary of the Founding of the People’s Republic of China (2009-25) were officially issued on October 1, 2009. The set contains four stamps, each with a face value of 1.20 yuan, bringing the total face value of the complete set to 4.80 yuan. One miniature sheet with a face value of 6.00 yuan was issued concurrently. Designed by Zhang Yimou and Chen Mingjie, the stamps were offset printed by Beijing Stamp Printing Factory.

The year 2009 marked the 60th anniversary of the founding of the People’s Republic of China. Following the thread of historical evolution, the stamps review the glorious journey of New China and unfold scenes of the founding of the People’s Republic of China, reform and opening-up, urban and rural development, and ethnic unity. Over the past six decades, China has achieved national independence and people’s liberation, continuously advanced socialist construction and reform and opening-up, witnessed rapid economic and social development, and forged ahead with unity among all ethnic groups. The stamps eulogize the tremendous achievements made in national development and express the sincere sentiments of people across the nation celebrating National Day and wishing the motherland lasting prosperity.

Stamp Designs and Historical Background

Founding Ceremony

The design reproduces the classic historical scene of the Founding Ceremony with red flags fluttering atop Tiananmen Rostrum. It records the epoch-making great moment of the founding of New China in 1949, symbolizing that the Chinese people have stood up and ushered in a brand-new era of national development.
Significance: A historic symbol of the birth of New China.

Reform and Opening-up

Composed of modern urban building clusters, expressway networks and flying white doves, the artwork demonstrates that after the implementation of the reform and opening-up policy, China emancipated the mind, developed the economy, opened its door to the world, and witnessed rapid advancement in industrialization and urbanization.
Significance: It represents the crucial stage of national reform, development and march toward prosperity.

Hong Kong and Macao’s Return

The design integrates landmarks including Victoria Harbour in Hong Kong and the Ruins of St. Paul’s in Macao together with the Five-star Red Flag. It commemorates the return of Hong Kong and Macao to the motherland, the implementation of the great concept of “One Country, Two Systems”, and the advancement of the cause of national reunification.
Significance: It demonstrates national sovereignty and bears witness to major achievements in national reunification.

Olympic Gala

The picture features the Bird’s Nest Stadium of the Beijing Olympic Games amid blooming fireworks. The successful hosting of the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games showcased the vibrant outlook of China in the new era to the world and symbolized remarkable growth in comprehensive national strength.
Significance: A vivid portrayal of China’s rising comprehensive strength and international influence in the new century.

Miniature Sheet: Long Live the Motherland

The central design depicts people of all ethnic groups celebrating joyfully on Tiananmen Square, surrounded by blooming flowers and fireworks filling the sky. The overall atmosphere is festive and peaceful. It fully conveys the theme that people of all ethnic groups forge ahead in unity and wish the motherland long-term stability, prosperity and strength, serving as the thematic climax of the whole stamp set.

Artistic Design Features

All stamps adopt a unified vertical format. The four stamps follow a clear chronological order, with tones gradually shifting from deep and solemn to bright and colourful, reflecting the changes of the times.
Compositions combine classic historical scenes and modern landmark landscapes with a blend of virtual and real elements, embodying both profound historical heritage and contemporary vitality.
The colour palette is magnificent and festive, dominated by red, matching the solemn and joyous style of this major National Day commemorative theme.
The miniature sheet adopts grand narrative, centring on the core themes of ethnic unity and nationwide celebration.

Regarded as a benchmark commemorative stamp set for major National Day themes, this issue carries milestone significance for the 60th national anniversary. It was released as a complete collection including stamp set and miniature sheet. Collectors often preserve it together with National Day stamp sets marking the 35th, 50th and 70th anniversaries of the founding of the PRC. It is a core collectible among chronological stamps themed on major red historical events.