Buy China Stamps

Why Collect China Stamps?

There are many great reasons to start collecting stamps from just about any region of the world, but Chinese culture and philatelic history add to this hobby and make it very intriguing to collect China stamps in particular. As if the many distinctive colors and extravagant themes were not enough, China stamps are closely tied with political and cultural evolution and give a unique insight into the past.

Chinese History and Stamps

China offers all the mystique and intrigue one needs for a fascinating stamp collection. With its storied five thousand year old culture, its exotic idiosyncrasies and political travails over the past century the country has plenty of subject matter for stamps to reflect.

It is the very breadth of China’s history, from primitive imperial times to present day pseudo-communistic society, that make pursuing a collection of its stamps so rewarding. A decision to collect China stamps gives you a window into the past.

Colorful Heritage of Chinese Stamps

When it comes to stamp collecting, Chinese stamps represent one of the more enjoyable ones to assemble. Your collection will be rich in color, heritage and design, reflecting China as well as the Asian continent. Almost an art rather than a business, Chinese stamps possess the artistry, significance and timelines that will make your collection a virtual history album. Stamp collecting just wouldn’t be the same if it weren’t for the dazzling array presented by a thorough collection.

China’s Vast Stamp Collecting Market

With its variety and the sheer size of its market, China’s stamp universe is a microcosm of the philatelic world itself. Within this one country you will be able to find stamps that will appeal to every level of collector, from the new hobbyist to the most serious dealer of antiquities.

You will find rarity and abundance, and a collection that will allow you to evolve your interest in whichever way it wants to go. With a population of 1.5 billion, China will always offer a great place to network with other avid Chinese stamp collectors. These fellow adherents will offer a great source of information and stories about Chinese stamps, enriching the experience of building your own collection.

Whatever the reason for your decision to collect China stamps, there is a price level for everyone. Learn what determines China stamp price, and stick with a reputable dealer who you can trust. Here at BuyChinaStamp.com, we are all about forging long-term relationships with avid collectors, and we are glad you have decided to become a part of the exciting philatelic world.

People Republic of China Stamps

Chinese stamps printed by the People Republic of China (PRC) started with the issuance of a four-piece set in October 1949. Marking the first session of the Chinese People’s Consultative Political Conference, depicted on the stamps were a lantern and the Gate of Heavenly Peace. This first printing also marked the beginning of a unique numbering system for Chinese commemorative and special stamps, with a denotation comprised of the stamp issuance series and which part of the series it represented. Regular, definitive stamps continued to use the standard value markings.

First Printing of People Republic of China Stamps

While the early years of the PRC saw initial use of surcharged stamps from the previous regime, the new government put out its first series of definitive stamps in early 1950. Featuring the Gate of Heavenly Peace against a cloud backdrop, the nine values assigned to the new issues ranged from $200 to $10,000. Following years several modifications of the stamp designs were instituted, six in all, with the final alterations issued in 1954.

Chinese Stamps of the 1950’s

The 1950’s saw the issuance of several commemorative stamps, marking conferences and denoting political goals of the young government. Particularly noteworthy was a set of 40 stamps depicting various physical exercises, illustrating the different stances used in performing them. Issued in 1952 and paired with a radio program promoting fitness, it demonstrated the central government penchant for innovativeness in marketing to its citizens.

Modern Era Chinese Stamps

Moving into the modern era beginning in the 1960’s, Chinese stamps enjoyed impressive growth as the nation’s postal network grew exponentially. Modernization of postal services resulted in a big increase of postage stamp usage, with Chinese stamp issuances continuing to mark important historical dates and figures, as well as geographical and political highlights.

Acquiring Chinese stamps allow a collector to assemble a virtual philatelic history album of one of the world’s great cultures, and collecting contemporary People Republic of China stamp issuances in particular offers even new adherents a means to own an affordable and colorful China stamps collection. Those who are deeply interested in the history of China stamps will also be intrigued by Japanese Occupation Stamps, China Military Stamps, and Cultural Revolution Stamps. Indeed, this rich history holds surprises for everyone.

Tips on Starting a China Stamps Collection

Collecting and compiling Chinese postage stamps can be rewarding and entertaining, especially when first starting a China stamps collection. If you reside in China, starting out is as easy as asking your friends to save cancelled postage from parcels and letters they receive. If you are not a resident of China, you will have to rely on purchasing stamps through reputable dealers, websites and other collectors.

When setting out to collect Chinese postage stamps, there are certain things you should do to educate yourself and be sure of the most enjoyable collecting experience.

1. Do your research. Consult online and print media to find out everything you can about the philatelic history of Chinese postage stamps. This will allow you to target the direction you’ll want to go and get an idea of the cost factors involved in with buying China stamps.
2. Decide what level of commitment you want to make to your collection. How much can you afford to spend on starting your China stamps collection? What areas of Chinese philatelic history interest you the most? How much time will you be able to devote to your collection?
3. Select the type of stamp collection. Once you settled on the type of Chinese stamp collection you want to compile, research and identify the sources you will use in acquiring stamps that you want in your collection. Make contact with proprietors of the online dealers and websites you’ve selected and what requirements they might have for doing business with them.
4. Protecting your collection. Once the sourcing of your stamp collection comes into focus, turn your research to the best ways to display and protect your investment. Philatelic supplies of various levels of quality and costs are available, and the commitment you have made in effort and money invested will drive how you assemble the supplies you will need to acquire.
5. Garner feedback! Seek out clubs, email rings, blogs and websites that bring you in contact with other collectors of Chinese stamps. With the advice and counsel they can offer, your first steps toward making your collection a reality can be made in a surefooted way.

With your research and groundwork completed, don’t waste any time starting your China stamps collection. Acquiring your first stamps will give you a tremendous boost in confidence and set you on your way to enjoying your newfound hobby. Once you’ve started, try to locate other Chinese stamp collecting enthusiast that can help you share information about how you’re doing and offer feedback that can help your collection grow while giving you a sense of accomplishment.

History of China Stamps

More than a century of victories, failures and culture can be found in Chinese postal stamps. Starting with the original ‘Large Dragon’ stamps, to those featuring Chairman Mao, and finally the newly minted stamps of today, the history of China stamps tells the story of the remarkable transition to the political and economic powerhouse China has become. Following is a brief history of valuable and culturally important stamps from China.

Imperial China and the Evolution of Postage Stamps Throughout Early China

As a symbol deeply embedded in Chinese, the dragon was featured on China’s first attempts at establishing a post In 1878, the first public mail delivery service opened and China’s first postage stamps, the ‘Large Dragons’ were printed in order to facilitate payment. Over the following half decade, the design and illustration underwent changes to reach a modernized version, resulting in a series of the Large Dragon stamps.

Beginning with the first regular governmental postal service during the Zhou Dynasty over 2000 years ago, China’s postal apparatus evolved through the use of letter guilds and private- and diplomatic-centric delivery services to support important governmental and royal communications.

Chinese Postage Stamps During Revolution and the Republic of China

Following the revolution of 1911 and leading up to the Japanese occupation in the late 1930’s, several important commemorative editions of Chinese stamps were issued. The revolution itself resulted in the creation of overprints of Chinese Imperial Post stamp issues. During this period, Republic of China stamps were produced, commemorating important events during this transitory period of China’s history.

Chinese Stamps and the Peoples Republic of China

The founding of the People's Republic of China resulted in more than 675 sets of authoritative, commemorative and distinctive postage stamps. This resulted in no fewer than 3,000 unique designs that were printed and distributed. Philatelists around the world have been buoyed by the multitude of outstanding artistry, rich content and unique themes throughout the history of China stamps.

Stamps Issued During the Cultural Revolution

During the Cultural Revolution, beginning in 1966 and running nominally to 1976, posted stamps issued by the People’s Republic of China were commonly used as a

propaganda tool. Stamps during this period were used to educate, illuminate and glorify the goals of socialism and communism. Influenced to a great degree by Soviet realism from the USSR, the artistry used in Chinese stamps during this period employed the color red predominantly.

Modern Era Chinese Stamps

Today, those who collect China stamps are captivated by the rich historical content, colorful design and breadth of variety. Chinese stamps reflect Asian society in general and China in particular, offering a unique way to chronicle the fascinating history one of the world’s most intriguing cultures. History is indeed the heart of stamp collecting, and for the history of China stamps only becomes more alluring as one gets involved.