"Development of the Pearl River Delta Region" Special Stamps
Issue Date: 19 October 2004

Hongkong Post commemorates the economic partnership between Hong Kong and other cities in the PRD with a set of four stamps illustrated with icons symbolising the region's strengths in terms of infrastructure, logistics, tourism and business. The design combines striking graphics and bright colours in an unconventional treatment to create a dramatic effect in each case. The stamps are in denominations of $1.40 (Infrastructure), $2.40 (Logistics), $3 (Tourism) and $5 (Business). The First Day Cover combines the same graphics into a triangular grid symbolic of both the geographical shape of the PRD and the tripartite partnership of Guangdong, Macao and Hong Kong.

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"Congratulations to the Hong Kong Team on Winning the Silver Medal in the Men's Table Tennis Doubles at the 2004 Olympic Games"
Issue Date: 7 October 2004

Congratulations to Hong Kong Team on winning the Silver Medal in the Men's Table Tennis Doubles at the XXVIII Olympic Games staged in Athens, Greece. Mr. KO Lai-chak and Mr. LI Ching have won the first Olympic medal for Hong Kong SAR after re-unification to China. To commemorate this historical event, Hongkong Post would issue the "Heartwarming Stamps" Mini-pane and Souvenir Cover with this subject.

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Good news! - "2005 Philatelic Ambassador - Snoopy's Heartwarming Stamps Souvenir Covers Set" for 2005 LSOS

To meet with the great demand of the “2005 Philatelic Ambassador - Snoopy’s Heartwarming Stamps Souvenir Covers Set” for 2005 LSOS , we are delighted to extend this offer to LSOS customers with spending of HK$1,800 or more for 2005 stamp products on or before 4 October 2004 (no bonus point is required for redemption). Members of the “2005 Young Collector’s Bonus Scheme” (aged 18 or below) can still enjoy this offer with only HK$100 or above spent on 2005 stamp products on or before 4 October 2004.

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"Hong Kong Currency" Special Stamps
Issue Date: 2 September 2004

For the collector, the value of every coin and note goes beyond its monetary value, as behind each is the fascinating story of its origins. The size and shape of each coin and note, the material used, the distinctive words and images, all are reminiscent of the evolution of history and conjure up mental pictures of the past.

This set of special stamps and stamp sheetlet showcases selected currency circulated in Hong Kong during the past 140 years. The set offers four stamps of:

$1.40 : the First Hong Kong coin (one mil, one thousandth of a dollar) cast in bronze in 1863.
$2.40 : the first coin (20 cents) cast in silver at the Hong Kong Mint in 1866.
$3.00 : the first note (one dollar) issued by the Hong Kong Government in 1935.
$5.00 : the gold coin issued to commemorate the establishment of the HKSAR in 1997.

The attractive stamp sheetlet depicts the seven coins in circulation since 1993 and 1994 - 10 cents, 20 cents, 50 cents, one dollar, two dollars, five dollars and ten dollars - all of which feature Hong Kong's emblem, the Bauhinia. The coins are set against a spectacular backdrop of the Tsing Ma Bridge, which is also featured on the reverse side of the commemorative ten-dollar coin issued in 1997.

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"Centenary of the Birth of Deng Xiaoping" Special Stamps
Issue Date: 22 August 2004

To commemorate the centenary of Deng Xiaoping’s birth, Hongkong Post, China Post and Macau Post each issues a set of two commemorative stamps and a stamp sheetlet on 22 August 2004. The two stamps (HK$1.40 each) issued by Hongkong Post depict images of Deng Xiaoping with day and night scenes of Hong Kong in the background. The stamp sheetlet (HK$10) features the life of Deng Xiaoping and the transformation of Hong Kong. On the same day, the three postal administrations jointly issue a souvenir pack containing the stamp sheetlets and three mini-panes, each embedded with eight commemorative stamps from the postal administrations. This is the fourth time for special stamps on the same theme jointly issued by the three postal administrations.

Shown on the First Day Cover is a photo of Deng Xiaoping taken during an inspection visit to a village in Sichuan, complemented by a Bauhinia flower, the emblem of Hong Kong and a famous quote by Deng Xiaoping - “I am the son of the Chinese people and I deeply love my people and my country”.

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"2004 Olympic Games" Stamp Sheetlet
Issue Date: 13 August 2004

Hongkong Post is issuing this stamp sheetlet comprising images of track athletes to commemorate this year’s Games. This is the fourth set of stamps issued by Hongkong Post to commemorate the Olympic Games. The previous issues were in 1992, 1996 and 2000.

The two unique $5 denomination stamps illustrate a runner from bygone times and a modern-day sprinter in action. Both stamps appear in a sheetlet set against a backdrop of various Olympic graphics, including a discus thrower and The Parthenon, a major landmark in the city of Athens and a timeless icon of the ancient civilisation that originated the Olympic Games.

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"Sports" Special Stamps
Issue Date: 20 July 2004

With the approach of the Olympic Games this year, Hongkong Post is producing a special stamp issue featuring five Olympic sports enjoyed by the people of Hong Kong. The stamps come in five strips of four $1.40 stamps each, with each strip dedicated to a different sporting event. They are relay race, highboard diving, volleyball, cycling and badminton. This is the first time a set of 20 special stamps of a single denomination is issued by Hongkong Post.

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"Fungi" Special Stamps
Issue Date: 23 November 2004

Fungi are neither plants nor animals, but are of use to us in diverse ways. Just as plants and animals vary in appearance, fungi exist in many different sizes, shapes and colours. From the plain brown of the straw mushroom to the vivid violet of the Marasmius, Hong Kong's fungal species come in myriad textures and have a variety of uses ranging from food to medicinal purposes.

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"The People's Liberation Army Forces, Hong Kong" Special Stamps
Issue Date: 30 June 2004

The People’s Liberation Army Forces arrived in Hong Kong at zero hour on 1 July 1997. Known as the PLA (HK), their primary responsibility is for the defence of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region.

For the past seven years, the PLA (HK) has performed its defence responsibility admirably, effectively upholding the principle of “one country, two systems” and winning the hearts of Hong Kong people by their community spirit.

Hongkong Post pays tribute to the PLA (HK) with the issue of six new stamps featuring the various faces of the Forces.
$1.40 The Powerful and Civilised Military Force
$1.80 Social Services
$2.40 Open Day
$2.50 Army
$3.00 Navy
$5.00 Air Force

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"Alphabet Stamps"
Issue Date: 4 January 2005

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Talk about reinventing the ABC's - in Hongkong Post's new Alphabet Stamp series, A stands for clothes peg, B for scissors and C for desk lamp! And how about J for cleaning brush, N for nail clippers and O for rubber band? Twenty-six ordinary objects are turned into the letters of the alphabet through an ingenious combination of imagery and typography, making the Alphabet Stamps a celebration of the A-Z of our daily lives.

These 26 items represent aspects of the daily lives of Hong Kong people in an endearingly familiar and functional fashion. It is hoped that this familiarity will spread the message that stamps are not just to be kept in an album for occasional viewing, but that stamps add colour and joy to our daily lives.

Besides postage, the Alphabet Stamps can be used to personalise mail with a special message. For example, you could spell out "Happy Birthday" or "Thank You" on your envelope. Other uses abound, including commercial application by corporations looking for an eye-catching medium to convey promotional messages and recycling used stamps for use by children as 'language tools' for word games.

The stamps, all of which have a face value of $1.40, are available in two formats - self-adhesive or gummed. The First Day Cover features three imaginative trial prototypes for the letters A, B and C, set against a background of lined paper of the type commonly used in schools.

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"Year of the Rooster" Special Stamps
Issue Date: 30 January 2005

This is the sixth Lunar New Year special stamp issue in the third series released by the Hongkong Post. The first and second sets of special stamps for the Year of the Rooster were issued in 1969 and 1993 respectively.

According to Chinese astrology, each animal of the 12-year zodiac cycle exerts a strong influence on people born in its year. People born in the Year of the Rooster are said to be deep thinkers, loyal friends and entertaining hosts. They have a sharp and observant mind and are consistently practical and resourceful, making them ideal leaders in crisis situations. The Rooster personality strives towards perfection and is well organised. Conscious of appearance, they must always look their best.

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Design : Bon KWAN
Printer : Australia Post Sprintpak
Process : Lithography
Stamp Size : 28 mm x 45 mm
Stamp Layout : Pane of 25 stamps
Souvenir Sheetlet Size : 135 mm x 85 mm
Imperforated Stamp Sheetlet Size : 135 mm x 85 mm
Perforation : 14 (one elliptical perforation on each vertical)
Paper : Paper with security fibres
Date of Issue : 30 January 2005

"Stamp Sheetlet to Commemorate Hongkong Post's Participation in the Pacific Explorer 2005 World Stamp Expo, Australia"
Issue Date: 21 April 2005

A special stamp sheetlet entitled Pacific Explorer 2005 World Stamp Expo commemorates Hongkong Post's participation in this international stamp exhibition in Sydney, Australia from 21 to 24 April 2005.

Pacific Explorer 2005 is held under the auspices of the Fédération Internationale de Philatélie. The exhibition theme, The Pacific, presents many opportunities for use in philately - Pacific life and culture, Pacific exploration, the postal history of early maritime mail routes and the development of the first trans-Pacific flights. The Expo is organised by Australia Post in conjunction with the Australian Philatelic Federation and the Australasian Philatelic Traders' Association.

Hongkong Post is pleased to participate in an international exhibition such as this, which provides an excellent opportunity not only to promote quality Hong Kong stamps to overseas philatelists, but also to encourage the culture of philately in general. Hong Kong and Sydney are both famous for their harbours and architecture. Hongkong Post's stamp sheetlet illustrates the glorious Hong Kong skyline in verdant green with the renowned Sydney Opera House superimposed in the foreground. It also features the distinctive exhibition logo. The similarities between the Sydney Opera House with its prominent curved roof section and the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre, which boasts one of the world's largest curved roof structures, are highlighted by the outline of a $10 stamp on the sheetlet. The First Day Cover depicts the distinctive roofline of the Sydney Opera House against a brilliant blue twilight sky, above a shot of the Hong Kong skyline at night with its dazzling neon lights reflected on the water of Victoria Harbour. Both images are fully aligned with the theme of the Expo, showing corresponding views of these two key cities on different shores of the Pacific basin.

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"Hong Kong Goldfish II" Special Stamps
Issue Date: 12 May 2005

In Chinese tradition, the goldfish has long been a symbol of abundance and luck. Hongkong Post's first set of stamps featuring goldfish in 1993 was very well-received. This second set of stamps and the accompanying stamp sheetlet illustrate some of the most impressive varieties of goldfish in Hong Kong. The set is comprised of: -

$1.40 - Variegated Pearl-scale The Variegated Pearl-scale belongs to the Wen type. The head is pointed and the abdomen is as round as a ball. Its distinctive colour is a mix of hues and its scales are so calcified that they shimmer like pearls.

$2.40 - Red and White Swallow-tail Belonging to the Grass type, the Red and White Swallow-tail's single caudal fin is long, broad and deeply forked, resembling a swallow's tail. The swimming motion is mesmerising and the contrasting red and white body colours illustrated on the stamp are very attractive.

$3 - Pale Bronze Egg-phoenix Belonging to the Egg type, the Pale Bronze Egg-phoenix lacks a dorsal fin and its smooth back and oval body shape make it look like a duck egg. The long and broad caudal fins are curved downwards slightly. It moves gracefully like a phoenix displaying its ornate plumage.

$5 - Blue Wenyu The Blue Wenyu belongs to the Wen type. Looked at from above, its round body and wide spreading caudal fins resemble the Chinese character "?" (Wen). When it swims, its long flowing caudal fins make it look like a fairy dancing gracefully.

The stamp sheetlet features a $5 stamp depicting the Red and White Dragon-eye, which belongs to the Dragon type. With its symmetrical round protruding eyes resembling the eyes of a dragon, this variety is very popular among Chinese goldfish lovers.

The First Day Cover for Hong Kong Goldfish II features a pair of beautifully illustrated goldfish swimming in a fish bowl, set against a multicoloured background rendered in muted tones.

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June 5, 2005
Ming Dynasty seafaring stamps due out June 28

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Zheng He spirit: The three $1.40 stamps issued by Hongkong Post depict a Likeness of Zheng He, Exploration, Trade & Diplomacy, and Seamanship & the Science of Navigation.

A set of special stamps will be issued on June 28 to mark the 600th Anniversary of Zheng He's Maritime Expeditions in the 15th century, Postmaster General Allan Chiang announces.

Mr Chiang said the stamps commemorate the first of Zheng He's seven voyages, which show his determination and enterprising spirit, adding his formidable explorations were unparalleled in the world's maritime history.

Zheng He, an important historical figure, commanded seven expeditions to the "Western Oceans" on royal orders between AD1405 and 1433.

Steered by stars and directed by the compass, his fleet used nautical astronomy and geonavigation to visit more than 30 countries and regions in Asia and Africa, successfully extending Chinese influence in culture and technology as well as fostering trade and goodwill.

Zheng He's impressive flotilla comprised more than 200 ships and a crew of more than 20,000. The 100-metre long flagships, known as "treasure ships", sailed in convoy with a fleet of battleships, combat billets, supply ships, water tankers and horse ships.

Joint issue with Mainland, Macau

The size of the fleets sent, the equipment used and the distance travelled all demonstrated that nautical technology in China during the Ming Dynasty was well ahead of other maritime powers.

Hongkong Post, China Post and Macau Post will each issue a set of three commemorative stamps and a stamp sheetlet on June 28. This is the fifth stamp issue jointly issued by these three postal administrations.

The three $1.40 stamps issued by Hongkong Post depict a Likeness of Zheng He, Exploration, Trade & Diplomacy, and Seamanship & the Science of Navigation. The $10 stamp sheetlet features Zheng He's mighty fleet.

The mini-pane and stamp sheetlet are designed by Carl Cheng and printed in lithography by Beijing Stamp Printing Factory.

Advance orders

The stamps will be displayed in the General Post Office, Tsim Sha Tsui, Tsuen Wan and Sha Tin Central post offices from June 7. Official First Day Covers at $1 each will be put on sale at all post offices on the same day.

Advance orders for servicing self-provided souvenir covers will be accepted at 39 philatelic offices from June 7 to 13.

A hand-back datestamping service will be provided at all post offices on June 28 for official and privately-made covers, bearing the first day of issue indication and a local address.

Special postmark

A special postmark will be introduced. The GPO-1 postmark, the "Philatelic Bureau" pictorial postmark and the philatelic office pictorial postmark will also be available for hand-back datestamping service at all philatelic offices on that day.

On June 28, the public hall of the Hongkong Post Philatelic Bureau will be open from 9am to 5pm for datestamping covers with the 'Philatelic Bureau' pictorial postmark, the GPO-1 postmark and the special postmark.


For details, click here (http://www.hongkongpost.com/), or call the Hongkong Post Philatelic Bureau hotline, 2785 5711.

"The 600th Anniversary of Zheng He's Maritime Expeditions" Special Stamps
Issue Date: 28 June 2005

Zheng He (AD 1371-1433) was born in Kunyang, today known as Jinning County, Kunming in Yunnan Province, China. Between AD 1405 and 1433, he commanded seven expeditions to the "Western Oceans" on royal orders, visiting over 30 countries and regions in Asia and Africa and successfully extending Chinese influence in culture and technology as well as fostering trade and goodwill. These seven voyages were unparalleled in the world's maritime history.

Zheng He's flotilla comprised over 200 ships and a crew of more than 20,000. The hundred-metre long flagships, known as "treasure ships", sailed in convoy with a fleet of battleships, combat billets, supply ships, water tankers and horse ships. Steered by stars and directed by the compass, the fleets succeeded in reaching as far as the eastern African coast during their seven voyages, using nautical astronomy and geonavigation. The size of the fleets sent, the equipment used and the distance travelled all demonstrated that nautical technology in China during the Ming Dynasty was well ahead of other maritime powers.

To mark the 600th anniversary of Zheng He's first voyage, China Post, Hongkong Post and Macao Post are each issuing a set of three commemorative stamps and a stamp sheetlet on 28 June 2005. The three stamps (HK$1.40 each) issued by Hongkong Post present a Likeness of Zheng He; Exploration, Trade and Diplomacy; and Seamanship and the Science of Navigation. The stamp sheetlet (HK$10) features Zheng He's mighty fleet.

The First Day Cover sets the scene of Zheng He's fleet under full sail in rough seas with seagulls in flight, representative of the determination and enterprising spirit of these formidable explorations, against a backdrop of fine silk that symbolises success in foreign trade.

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"Hong Kong, China - Portugal Joint Issue on Fishing Villages" Special Stamps
Date of Issue: 18 October 2005

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Featuring Fishing Villages, this set of stamps is jointly issued with Portugal Post. This is the sixth joint issue of stamps by Hongkong Post with another postal administration.

Hong Kong, like Portugal, used to naturally foster coastal villages where fishing became a major source of livelihood. Today, Hong Kong is recognised as a bold and dynamic city, hardly reflecting its modest beginnings as a humble fishing village. But venture into Tai O, located on the far north-westerly edge of Lantau Island, and you'll find a small harbour where fishing is still a local trade today. In Tai O, the fishing village was built on stilts which gives it a unique appearance and a distinctive character. It is well worth the visit for tourists who want to explore Hong Kong's p past.

In a similar fashion, the fisher-folk of Aldeia da Carrasqueira in Portugal drove wooden pillars into the mud-flats and built a web of landing stages to moor their fishing boats. Over time, there emerged an extremely beautiful palafitte wharf zigzagging out into the waterway of the Sado Estuary. The tiny fishing village is not to be missed for day-trippers from Lisbon.

These two fishing villages are similar enough to be appealing and in this issue, Tai O's characteristic wooden stilt-houses, a fishing boat and the local specialty of dried salted fish are depicted in the $1.40 and $3 stamps. Portrayed in the $2.40 and $5 stamps is the palafitte landing stage of Aldeia da Carrasqueira. It is flanked by colourful fishing boats and on the left is a fisherman at work.

In the First Day Cover, an elevated structure sketched in subdued colours is standing on wooden stakes over the water with fishing boats in the foreground. The composition reminds us of the two fishing villages.

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"Hong Kong Disneyland Grand Opening" Special Stamps
Date of Issue: 12 September 2005

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"To all who come to this happy place, welcome." With those words, Walt Disney began his dedication of Disneyland Park in Anaheim, California, U.S.A., on 17 July 1955. Now, 50 years later and halfway around the world, another Disneyland is celebrating its grand opening. Hong Kong Disneyland is devoted to the same ideals and dreams that have made every Disneyland "a source of joy and inspiration to all the world."

This set of special stamps commemorates the grand opening of Hong Kong Disneyland, which consists of four uniquely themed lands:

$1.40 - Main Street, U.S.A.
Join Mickey and Minnie Mouse for a nostalgic trip to America back to the early 1900s, a time of hope and optimism for a new era.

$2.40 - Fantasyland
Dumbo soars high above this magical realm of imagination and enchantment, where childhood dreams come true and classic fairy tales spring to life.

$3 - Adventureland
Simba and Nala from "The Lion King" welcome you to an exotic land of mysterious jungles, unexplored rivers and the rhythm of their own Pride Lands.

$5 - Tomorrowland
Go out of this world with Pluto at a futuristic spaceport that is the departure point for thrilling destinations and adventures around the universe.

$5 stamp sheetlet - Mickey Mouse celebrates the grand opening of Hong Kong Disneyland, the magical new park on Hong Kong's Lantau Island.

The First Day Cover shows Mickey Mouse leading the Marching Band down Main Street, U.S.A., in celebration of the grand opening of Hong Kong Disneyland, 12 September 2005.

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"Hong Kong Pop Singers" Special Stamps
Date of Issue: 8 November 2005

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This is the first set of stamps issued by Hongkong Post that features Hong Kong's popular singers, saluting five pop stars who have left their marks on Cantopop music history.

$1.40 - Wong Ka Kui (1962 - 1993)
Wong Ka Kui formed his first rock band, Beyond, in 1983 with friends. Together they made music that was rapturously intense and strongly emotional, which soon won them a huge young following. As the lead singer and major songwriter of the band, he brought across his message for a better world in his music. The tour de force includes "Great Land", "Glory Days", "Boundless Horizons" and of course "Amani", a moving song written after visiting the underprivileged in Africa. The career of this creative singer and songwriter was tragically cut short when he fell off a platform in a fatal accident in 1993 in Japan.

$1.80 - Danny Chan (1958 - 1993)
One of the first generation of pop idols in Hong Kong, Danny Chan was an amazingly gifted artist. He was already an electronic organ player, a songwriter, an actor and a promising singer at the beginning of his career. He always impressed his fans as a sensitive and gentle young man in both his films and music. He made a name for himself with his debut release, "Tears For You", which established him as a teen idol. "Ripple", " I Just Love You" and "Life Expectation" are just some of the golden hits written and sung by this talented artist. A memorial hall in his honour was erected in his hometown of Taishan, Guangdong.

$2.40 - Roman Tam (1945 - 2002)
A true superstar in his own right, Roman Tam was electrifying on stage, the undisputed king of stage shows. He sang his way through Mandarin, Cantonese and English pop songs but rendered classical songs and Chinese operatic tunes equally superbly. A refined and seasoned artist, he paid to put two musicals on show and his efforts to excel himself and bring breakthroughs further demonstrated his fervent passion for stage art. In his later years, he took on budding singers to pass on his wealth of experience. His everlasting hits include "Romantic Swordsman", "Under The Lion Rock", "Songs For You" and "How Many Roads".

$3 - Leslie Cheung (1956 - 2003)
Leslie Cheung was a glamorous star in music, films and television, affectionately loved by his fans because of his irresistible charm. Following his rise to fame with the hit "Restless Breeze", he captured the hearts of many with his expressive and lyrical singing. Whether playing romantic and rebellious or cool and sensuous, he always made himself stand out from others throughout his career. His greatest hits, "Monica", "Sleepless Night" and "Profile", are still fondly remembered by his devotees. In 2000, he directed a short film, "From Ashes to Ashes", for Radio Television Hong Kong to realise his aspiration as a movie director.

$5 - Anita Mui (1963 - 2003)
A pop-song legend, Anita Mui started her singing career as a young child and burst onto the music scene at 19 when she won the New Talent Singing Contest. Her inimitable style started to develop when her first hit "Mystery of Love" was released. That was the beginning of a stellar career that saw her excel in music and move to movies with equal success. She was given the accolade of "Diva of Changes" for her ever-changing images and her classics include "Homecoming", "Bad Girl" and "Where Does Love Belong" among others. Many remember her as a friend, a mentor for young singers, a promoter of the entertainment industry and a philanthropist who contributed generously to both Chinese and Hong Kong charities.

The First Day Cover features golden discs insert with photos of these music legends.

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