Special Stamp Issue - "60th Anniversary of the Founding of the People's Republic of China"

Mint Stamps

A set of stamps and a stamp sheetlet on the theme of "60th Anniversary of the Founding of the People's Republic of China" will be issued on 1 October 2009 (Thursday). China Post, Hongkong Post and Macao Post will also jointly issue a souvenir pack where three stamp sheetlets issued by the respective Posts under this stamp theme are presented in se-tenant style.

Founded on 1 October 1949, the People's Republic of China celebrates her 60th anniversary this year. Over the past 60 years, China has amazed the world with her remarkable success in development. While looking back with pride at our numerous accomplishments, all Chinese people strive for an even brighter tomorrow.

To mark this memorable moment, Hongkong Post issues a set of commemorative stamps and a stamp sheetlet. The set of six stamps is designed based on the winning entry of the Stamp Design Competition for the 60th Anniversary of the Founding of the People's Republic of China jointly organised by the Home Affairs Bureau, Radio Television Hong Kong, the Committee on the Promotion of Civic Education and the Commission on Youth. Victoria Harbour and Tiananmen Square depicted on two interlocking cogwheels ($1.40), and the five-star national flag flying by the side of the "Forever Blooming Bauhinia" ($1.80), symbolise the intimate and inseparable bond between Hong Kong and our Motherland. The Bird's Nest ($2.40) reminds us of the country's first hosting of the Olympic Games while the successful launch of China's manned spacecraft Shenzhou-7 ($2.50) marks her rapid technological advancement and development. The Temple of Heaven against the backdrop of an illuminated globe ($3) and a golden dragon soaring above the Great Wall ($5) signify the nation's rising economic and international status. The six stamps also fit into a perfect ring on the souvenir sheet with the accompanying number "6", bringing out the theme of the 60th anniversary.

The stamp sheetlet with two $5 stamps in Chinese red captures the excitement of the special occasion. The National Emblem and the dazzling Tiananmen Square on the left and the Regional Emblem above the splendid night view of Hong Kong on the right underline the close and harmonious tie between Hong Kong and the Mainland.

To celebrate this joyous occasion across the country, China Post, Hongkong Post and Macao Post jointly issue a souvenir pack on the same day, where three stamp sheetlets issued by the respective Posts under this stamp theme are presented in se-tenant style.

Let the city rejoice, let the whole nation celebrate this anniversary!

Sales Arrangements

On 1 October 2009, General Post Office will open from 9am to 5pm, and Airport Post Office from 8am to 5pm. The other 35 philatelic offices will open from 9am to 2pm.

Information about the sale of philatelic products associated with this set of special stamps starting from 1 October 2009 is as follows:

Remarks:

1. The above stamp issue is included in the 2009 Local Standing Order Service / 2009 Overseas Mail Order Service. For local customers, please contact Hongkong Post Philatelic Bureau Hotline for enquiry at 2785 5711 or fax to 2191 9296.
2. For overseas customers, please ensure there is sufficient balance in your account to pay your advance order. Otherwise, your order will be processed only when the stock is still available after all orders have been fulfilled. For any enquiries, please contact Hongkong Post Philatelic Bureau (Overseas Mail Order Service Unit) Hotline at 852-2928 7211 or fax to 852-2850 6552.
   
   * "Joint Souvenir Pack" is not included in the 2009 Local Standing Order Service. Order form had already been issued to "2009 Local Standing Order Service" customers.

Official First Day Covers at $1 each will be put on sale at all post offices as from 18 September 2009. The stamps and the associated philatelic products will be displayed at General Post Office, Tsim Sha Tsui Post Office, Tsuen Wan Post Office and Shatin Central Post Office as from the same day. Advance orders for servicing self-provided covers will be accepted at all philatelic offices from 18 to 24 September 2009.

Hand-back Datestamping Arrangements

A hand-back datestamping service by the office steel datestamp, the special postmark together with the "Philatelic Bureau" pictorial postmark and the philatelic office pictorial postmark will be provided on 1 October 2009 at all philatelic offices, for official and privately-made covers, bearing the first day of issue indication and a local address. The "GPO-1" postmark will be available at General Post Office only.

Also on 1 October 2009, the public hall of the Hongkong Post Philatelic Bureau on 1/F., Trade Square, 681 Cheung Sha Wan Road, Kowloon, will open from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. for datestamping covers with the "Philatelic Bureau" pictorial postmark and the special postmark.

Stamp Printing Details

Stamp Sheetlet Printing Details

Souvenir Sheet	Stamp Sheetlet
Special Postmark	Serviced First Day Cover affixed with a set of Mint Stamps
Serviced First Day Cover affixed with a Souvenir Sheet	Serviced First Day Cover affixed with a Stamp Sheetlet
Presentation Pack (cover and inside design)
Souvenir Pack (cover and inside design)
Joint Souvenir Pack (cover and inside design) *