Serial number: 2009-26
Scott Number: -
Values in set: 4
Denomination: 480 fen
Date of issue: October 1, 2009
Size of stamp: 60 * 30 mm
Perforation: 13.5 * 13
Sheet composition:
12 for Sheet I;
8 for Sheet II (2 sets)
Size of sheet:
230 * 170 mm for Sheet I;
200 * 200 mm for Sheet II
Printing process: Photogravure
Designer of stamp: Ren Guoen, Yuan Xuejun
Printer: Beijing Postage Stamp Printing House

This set of stamps was officially issued on October 1, 2009. It consists of four stamps, each with a face value of 1.20 yuan, with a total face value of 4.80 yuan for the full set. Designed by Ren Guo’en and Yuan Xuejun, with original photographic works provided by Yuan Xuejun, the stamps were printed in photogravure by Beijing Stamp Printing Factory.

On October 1, 2009, the grand military parade marking the 60th anniversary of the founding of New China was held at Tiananmen Square in Beijing. It was China’s first National Day grand parade in the 21st century. Following the marching sequence of the parade, the stamps successively feature foot formations, ground equipment formations and aerial echelons, fully demonstrating the modernized features of the People’s Liberation Army including the Navy, Army, Air Force and the Second Artillery Force. Within the tiny stamp frames, the image of the people’s army as a mighty and civilized force is displayed. The stamps showcase fruitful achievements in China’s national defense modernization and embody the sincere wish of people nationwide for lasting stability, prosperity and strength of the motherland. They are classic philatelic items documenting the grand National Day military parade.

Stamp Designs and Historical Background

Foot Formations

Set against the backdrop of Tiananmen Rostrum, the design shows neatly lined-up honor guards of the three services, with servicemen and servicewomen of the Army, Navy and Air Force saluting standardly. As the leading formations of the parade, foot formations represent the fine conduct and high morale of the Chinese military and constitute an iconic ceremonial scene of the National Day parade.

Army and Second Artillery Force Equipment Formations

The illustration features ground formations composed of main battle tanks and strategic missile carriers. It fully reflects the mechanized equipment of the Army and the strategic deterrence capability of the Second Artillery Force, representing China’s core strength in land combat and strategic defense.

Naval Equipment Formations

The main motif consists of naval anti-ship missile launch vehicles alongside amphibious combat equipment formations. It showcases modern shore-based and amphibious combat equipment of the Navy, symbolizing the continuous development of China’s maritime defense capabilities.

Aerial Echelons

The design displays fighter jet formations and airborne early warning radar equipment. It reproduces the spectacular scene of fighter jets flying over Tiananmen Square, reflects the level of information-based combat equipment of the Air Force, and demonstrates China’s aerial defense strength.

Artistic Design Features

All stamps adopt a unified wide horizontal format. When arranged side by side horizontally, the four stamps form a complete scroll of the military parade. Created based on on-site documentary photographs, the images are realistic and magnificent. The colour palette transitions gradually from warm red tones reflecting the festive celebration to blue and orange military hues to distinguish different formations. The compositions balance grand panoramic scenes and equipment details, faithfully recreating the solemn and grand atmosphere of the parade. The stamps adopt oval special-shaped perforations to enhance anti-counterfeiting identification features.

As an important set among chronological stamps themed on national defense, military affairs and major National Day celebrations, this issue fully records the grand 2009 military parade of the new century. Available in multiple formats including stamp sets, full sheets and miniature sheets, it is often collected together with the 2009-22 stamps themed on the 60th Anniversary of the Founding of the PRC. It serves as a core collectible for military-themed collections and thematic exhibits covering major National Day events.