Philately exhibition celebrates enduring appeal of Monkey stamp

It was the first stamp in China Post's annual Lunar New Year series based on the 12 animals of the Chinese zodiac — a tradition that continues today — and it was designed by the late artist Huang Yongyu (1924-2023), who was renowned for his achievements in painting, design and literature.

Forty-six years later, the little monkey Huang created remains a beloved icon among philatelists. It has also inspired China Philately Company to launch an intellectual property character named Hoyoyo, which made its debut at the 20th All-China Philately Exhibition, in Jinan, Shandong province. The company's booth, featuring a wide range of products including stamp albums, commemorative envelopes and other licensed merchandise, has become a popular attraction for visitors taking photos.

China Philately Company also unveiled an official mini-program offering a variety of interactive services, including Q&A sessions on stamp collecting, to promote philatelic culture in an engaging and educational way. It also showcases an extensive range of stamp-themed products inspired by subjects such as ancient Chinese paintings, film and television, traditional Chinese blessing culture, and the stories behind Chinese family names, catering to both collectors and gift buyers.

Organized by the All-China Philately Federation, the exhibition was first held in 1983 and has grown into one of the country's largest and most comprehensive philatelic events.