Nearly half a century after a tiny monkey first appeared on a Chinese postage stamp, the beloved design continues to inspire new generations of collectors. It has now evolved into a new cultural character, China Daily reported.
The famous “Monkey” stamp, issued in 1980, was the first entry in China Post’s annual Lunar New Year stamp series based on the 12 animals of the Chinese zodiac. Designed by acclaimed artist Huang Yongyu (1924-2023), the stamp quickly became one of China’s most recognisable philatelic treasures, admired for its distinctive artistic style and cultural symbolism.
Building on the design’s enduring popularity, China Philately Company has created an intellectual property character named Hoyoyo, aiming to bring stamp culture closer to younger audiences. The character made its debut at the 20th All-China Philately Exhibition in Jinan, Shandong province, where it drew attention from visitors alongside a collection of stamp albums, commemorative envelopes and licensed products.
The company also launched an official mini-program offering interactive features such as stamp-collecting questions and educational content, aiming to make philately more accessible and engaging in the digital era.
Beyond the Lunar New Year series, China Philately Company showcased products inspired by a wide range of Chinese cultural themes, including ancient paintings, film and television, traditional blessings and the history of family names. The approach reflects a broader effort to transform stamps from simple postage items into carriers of cultural memory and storytelling.
Organised by the All-China Philately Federation, the exhibition has been held since 1983 and has grown into one of the country’s most influential philatelic events, bringing together collectors, cultural enthusiasts and the public to celebrate China’s stamp heritage.
