Scott No: -
Serial number: 2016-1
Values in set: 2
Date of issue: January 5, 2016
Denomination: 240 fen
Designer: Huang Yongyu
Engraver: Zhao Chuan, Ma Rong
Size of stamps: 36 * 36 mm
Perforation: 13
Sheet composition:
16 for Sheet I;
6 for Sheet II
Size of sheet:
168 * 196 mm for Sheet I;
128 * 180 mm for Sheet II
Printing process: Offset and Engraving
Printing House: Beijing Postage Stamp Printing Works

The year 2016 was the Year of the Monkey in the Chinese lunar calendar, corresponding to the year of Bing-Shen. The Bing-Shen Year Monkey Stamps were a set of zodiac stamps designed by the renowned artist Mr. Huang Yongyu, marking his return to stamp design after a 36-year hiatus. The issuance of zodiac stamps conveys auspicious blessings to people as the Spring Festival approaches.

The first stamp, titled "A Divine Monkey Bringing Blessings", features a lively and adorable monkey holding a peach branch in one hand and a longevity peach in the other, filling the scene with a festive atmosphere. The second stamp, "Double Blessings of Fortune and Longevity", depicts a golden mother monkey affectionately embracing two baby monkeys. The warm and touching image embodies the sincere wishes for family reunion and the arrival of double blessings of fortune and longevity in the new year.

While releasing this set of stamps, China Post also issued Sheetlet 2 (containing 6 stamps, with each design printed as a separate sheet) and Sheetlet 3 (containing 4 stamps, comprising two complete sets of the Monkey Stamps).

In the upper left corner of the two versions of Sheetlet 2 are the images of a golden monkey performing acrobatics and the Monkey King respectively. In the upper right corner, there is an inscription:

2016, the Year of Bing-Shen in the sexagenary cycle.
The Golden Goat bids farewell to the old year.
The Fiery Monkey welcomes the new.
As a primate, the monkey is wise and resourceful.
Offering peaches and precious jade, it brings fortune, longevity and auspiciousness.
The young and the old walk hand in hand, and the whole family rejoices in harmony.
Beloved by the Chinese people, its good reputation spreads far and wide.

The text is followed by the signature "Year of Bing-Shen" and an official seal.

On Sheetlet 3, a seven-character couplet is inscribed on both sides: the right side reads "The Divine Goat Brings Blessings and Auspiciousness", and the left side reads "The Divine Monkey Offers Longevity and Good Fortune". Below the couplet is the back view of a monkey riding a goat. At the bottom of the sheetlet are the words "2016" and "Great Fortune in the Year of the Monkey".