Postal History of China 中國
China issued its first stamps in 1878
China’s stamp history began in the late 19th century and mirrors its journey from imperial rule to modern nationhood. Chinese stamps reflect dynastic traditions, revolutionary movements, and cultural achievements.
The Main Periods of Chinese Postal History:
Before 1878: Before China issued its first postage stamps in 1878, the country used a system called the Imperial Courier Service to send messages and letters. This system started more than 2,000 years ago! Couriers rode horses or walked long distances to deliver important government documents and letters across the empire. The postal service was mainly for the emperor and officials. Regular people often had to rely on friends, merchants, or travellers to carry their letters. Because of China’s huge size, sending mail could take a very long time.
The Qing Dynasty and the Imperial Era (1878–1911): Chinese philately began under the Qing Dynasty with the Large Dragons in 1878—the first stamps issued by the Imperial Maritime Customs Post. These featured Chinese characters and dragon motifs symbolising imperial power. Later issues like the Small Dragons and Dowager Empress series continued this intricate, traditional style.
The Republic of China (1912–1949): After the fall of the Qing Dynasty, the Republic of China issued stamps celebrating national identity. Portraits of leaders like Sun Yat-sen and events such as the 1911 Revolution and 1913 Constitution were commonly featured. Wartime issues and regional overprints reflect the instability and conflict during this period.
The Chinese Soviet Republic and Wartime Issues (1931–1949): As the Chinese Communist Party gained influence, liberated areas produced their own stamps with revolutionary themes. These local issues, often provisional, depicted peasants, soldiers, and victories, reflecting the hardships of war and political change.
Because of war and inflation during the 1930s and 1940s, stamp prices often changed quickly. Instead of printing new stamps every time, the post office added a new number over the old one. This is called a surcharge. It saved time and money. You’ll often see Chinese stamps from this period with big black numbers printed over the top—those show the new value.
The People’s Republic of China (1949–Present): After the founding of the People’s Republic in 1949, stamps promoted socialist ideals, industry, and national pride. Early designs featured farmers, workers, and soldiers. Later issues celebrated scientific achievements, cultural heritage, and wildlife. The Panda series (from 1985) and stamps from the Cultural Revolution are particularly sought after by collectors.
Postcards in Your Collection
Postcards can enhance a stamp collection and may be shown in both the Postal History and Thematic exhibition classes. In Postal History, they demonstrate postal routes, rates, and cancellations. In Thematic collections, they add context and storytelling. For example, a postcard of the Great Wall of China pairs well with stamps from the same theme or era.
Did You Know?
- The Large Dragons of 1878 were China’s first stamps and symbolised imperial authority.
- Stamps of the Republic featured national heroes like Sun Yat-sen and key events like the 1911 Revolution.
- During the Chinese Civil War and Japanese occupation, local provisional stamps were created for regional postal needs.
- The Panda series, launched in 1985, became an international symbol of China’s wildlife conservation efforts.
Chinese Stamp Inscriptions Through the Years
This list shows the exact words printed on Chinese stamps during different periods of history. These inscriptions tell us which government or postal service issued the stamps, reflecting changes in China’s history.
| Period | Years | Chinese Characters | English Translation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Qing Dynasty (Imperial China) | 1878–1898 | 政郵國清大 | Postal Service of the Great Qing Empire |
| Republic of China (Mainland) | 1912–1949 | 政郵國民華中 | Postal Service of the Republic of China |
| Japanese Occupation (WWII) | 1937–1945 | 華北郵政 / 滿洲國郵政 | North China Postal Service / Manchukuo Postal Service |
| People's Republic of China | 1949–present | 中國人民郵政 | China People's Postal Service |
| People's Republic of China (modern) | 2000s–present | 中國郵政 | China Post |
| Taiwan (Republic of China) | 1949–present | 票郵國民華中 | Postal Service of the Republic of China |
Notes:
- The inscriptions usually include words like “postal service” and the name of the ruling government or region.
- These words show who was in charge of mail delivery and stamp production at the time.
- During the Japanese Occupation in WWII, stamps were issued by local governments set up by Japan, such as North China and Manchukuo.
- Taiwan, controlled by the Republic of China government after 1949, uses different inscriptions from mainland China.
Imperial Chinese Post
Issued 1898: Definitive Series - 1 cent, orche.
Imperial Chinese Post stamp Overprinted Republic of China in Sung Characters.
Issued 1912: Definitive Series - 1 cent, ochre
Not Watermarked.
Republic of China
Issued 1913: Definitive Series - 1 cent, Junk (a type of Chinese sailing ship).
Republic of China
Issued 1914: Definitive Series - 16 cent, Reaper in the field reaping rice and in the background is the temple of heaven.
Issued 1946-1948: Definitive Martyrs of the Revolution Series - 1 cent, Ch'en Ying-shih, overprinted $100 Surcharge.
Republic of China
Issued 1949: Definitive Series - $20,000, Dr Sun Yat-sen.
People’s Republic of China
Issued 1950: Definitive Series - 3,000 yuan, Gate of Heavenly Peace, Peking.