China Post has unveiled a special stamp collection honoring the 100th anniversary of Beijing's Palace Museum, a crown jewel of Chinese cultural heritage. Released on October 10, 2025, the two-stamp set offers a miniature journey through the museum's scientific and artistic legacy, priced at 1.20 yuan (approximately $0.17) each.
The first stamp features a Qing Dynasty (1644–1911) gold celestial globe adorned with pearls and intricate astronomical engravings – a testament to imperial China's scientific advancements. Its counterpart highlights the Qiannian Hehe Zhou (Millennium Harmony Scroll), a delicate floral masterpiece by Qing artist Ma Yuanyu that embodies unity and cultural synthesis.
Established in 1420 during the Ming Dynasty, the UNESCO World Heritage Site served as China's imperial palace for nearly five centuries. Housing over 1.8 million artifacts, the Forbidden City continues to bridge historical eras through its preserved architecture and collections. The stamp release coincides with renewed global interest in Asian cultural tourism, with museum officials reporting a 35% year-on-year increase in international visitors.
Philatelists and history enthusiasts worldwide are anticipated to seek the commemorative set, which China Post describes as "a portable piece of cultural diplomacy." The stamps will remain available through 2026 at major post offices and authorized dealers.
