
China has a diverse range of currencies, each with its own unique design and features. The Chinese yuan, also known as the renminbi, is the official currency of China and is divided into 100 jiao.
The Chinese yuan is available in banknotes of various denominations, including 1, 5, 10, 20, 50, and 100 yuan. The design of these banknotes features various Chinese landmarks and historical figures.
In addition to the yuan, China also issues coins in denominations of 1, 5, and 10 jiao. These coins feature a simple design with the Chinese character for "jiao" on one side and a pattern of Chinese motifs on the other.
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Chinese Currency Types
Chinese currency is represented by several types of banknotes, each featuring a distinct design. The most widely used banknote is the 100 Chinese Yuan note, which has a portrait of Mao Zedong.
There are also smaller denominations, such as the 1 Chinese Yuan note, but the 100 Yuan note is the most commonly used. The currency is often represented by a combination of the Chinese Yuan (RMB) and the US dollar.
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Here are some common types of Chinese currency banknotes:
- 100 Chinese Yuan note with Mao Zedong portrait
- 50 Chinese Yuan note (not mentioned in the article section, but a common denomination)
- 10 Chinese Yuan note (also not mentioned, but a common denomination)
These banknotes are widely used in China and are often used to make international transactions.
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Coins
Coins have been a part of Chinese currency for decades, with various designs and materials used over the years.
In 1953, aluminium ¥0.01, ¥0.02, and ¥0.05 coins were introduced, featuring the national emblem on the front and wheat stalks on the back.
These coins were first circulated in 1955, and were later joined by brass ¥0.1, ¥0.2, and ¥0.5 coins in 1980, as well as cupro-nickel ¥1 coins.
The ¥0.1 and ¥0.2 coins were only produced until 1981, while the last ¥0.5 and ¥1 coins were issued in 1985.
All jiǎo coins depicted similar designs to the fēn coins, while the yuán coin showed the Great Wall of China.
In 1991, a new coinage was introduced, consisting of smaller aluminium ¥0.1, brass ¥0.5, and nickel-clad steel ¥1 coins, featuring flowers on the front and the national emblem on the back.
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The aluminium ¥0.01 and ¥0.02 coins ceased production in 1991, with the ¥0.05 coin following in 1994.
However, the ¥0.01 coin got a new lease on life in 2005, and has been issued annually since then.
New designs of the ¥0.1, ¥0.5, and ¥1 coins were introduced between 1999 and 2002, with the ¥0.1 being significantly reduced in size.
In 2005, the composition of the ¥0.1 coin was changed to nickel-plated steel, and an updated version was announced in 2019, featuring all coins made of nickel-plated steel.
Coins are more popular in urban areas, where they're often used in vending machines, while small notes are more commonly used in rural areas.
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Chinese Paper Money
Chinese paper money is a fascinating topic. You can find over 13,300 stock photos and images of Chinese paper money online.
The background of scattered one hundred Chinese Reminbi yuan banknotes with Mao Zedong's portrait is a popular image. This is because Mao Zedong's portrait is featured on many Chinese paper money notes.
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The Chinese currency, also known as the Renminbi, has undergone significant changes over the years. In 1999, a commemorative red ¥50 note was issued to honor the 50th anniversary of the establishment of the People's Republic of China.
Here are some notable commemorative issues of the Renminbi banknotes:
In 2014, the Renminbi reached a record high exchange value of ¥6.0395 to the US dollar.
Commemorative Banknotes
Commemorative banknotes are a fascinating aspect of China's currency. The People's Bank of China has issued several commemorative renminbi banknotes over the years.
In 1999, a commemorative red ¥50 note was issued to honour the 50th anniversary of the establishment of the People's Republic of China. This note features Chinese Communist Party chairman Mao Zedong on the front and various animals on the back.
A commemorative orange polymer note was issued in 2000 with a face value of ¥100. It features a dragon on the obverse and the China Millennium monument on the reverse.
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The People's Bank of China also issued a green ¥10 note in 2008 to commemorate the Beijing Olympics. The front features the Bird's Nest Stadium, while the back shows a classical Olympic discus thrower and various other athletes.
In 2015, a blue ¥100 commemorative note was issued to commemorate aerospace science and technology. The People's Bank of China has also issued commemorative banknotes in other denominations, such as the ¥20 note issued in December 2021 to commemorate the 2022 Winter Olympics.
A ¥20 commemorative banknote was also issued in January 2024 to commemorate the 2024 Chinese New Year.
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West Lake, Hangzhou
West Lake, Hangzhou is a breathtakingly beautiful site, especially at night. The Three Pools Mirroring the Moon, a popular attraction, features three gourd-shaped stupas that seem to float on the water, each about 2 meters high.
The scene is magical when candlelight flows out from the small holes in the stupas, reflecting on the lake and creating a delightful contrast with the bright moon in the sky. This phenomenon is especially striking on the night of Mid-Autumn Day when the biggest and brightest full moon is overhead.
The Three Pools Mirroring the Moon is a visual feast for Hangzhou citizens, and it's a must-see attraction for anyone visiting the area. You can catch a tour coach that leaves after dusk to see the scene in all its glory.
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Mount Tai, Shandong

Mount Tai, Shandong is a majestic mountain that's a source of inspiration to artists and scholars. It's famous for its grandness, with splendid natural scenery and rich cultural relics.
The primary image on the five Yuan note is a stunning view of the sunrise over a sea of clouds at Mount Tai. This image is a testament to the mountain's breathtaking beauty.
Mount Tai is considered the chief of the five Taoist Sacred Mountains. It's been the object of imperial pilgrimage for thousands of years, making it superior to any other mountain in China.
Emperors regularly visited Mount Tai to show their admiration for Confucianism and respect for Confucius. They left behind a number of precious historical relics, with a total of 72 emperors offering imperial sacrifices there.
In 1987, Mount Tai was designated as a World Natural and Cultural Heritage by UNESCO. This recognition solidifies its status as a significant cultural and natural wonder.
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Yangtze River Three Gorges

The Yangtze River Three Gorges is a breathtaking sight to behold. It's located on the reverse side of the 10 Yuan note.
The Three Gorges Dam is a massive project that began construction in 1995 and is scheduled for completion in 2009. It's expected to help control flooding in the Yangtze River Valley.
The Yangtze River is the longest river in China and the third longest in the world. It has rich and extensive hydroelectric resources.
A Yangtze River cruise is an incredible experience that lasts three to five days. It provides the most exciting and unique river trips in the world.
You'll be dwarfed by towering peaks and mile-high cliffs standing face to face on either side of the Yangtze River.
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Li River, Guilin
The Li River in Guilin is a breathtakingly beautiful destination that's been immortalized on the new 20 Yuan note. It's a short distance between Xingping and Yucun, the highlight of the Li River cruise.
The Li River cruise offers a unique classical Chinese ink painting experience with its green hills, crystal water, verdant bamboo, and clear water reflection. The river winds like a green silk ribbon, while the hills are like jade hairpins.
You can take the Li River cruise and have your tour guide or local people point out the way. Along the river, sweet water makes the mountains come alive, while the existence of those graceful mountains makes the water more limpid.
The river takes a big turn at Xingping, where the beautiful landscape and country scenery will never disappoint you. Fishermen float by on bamboo rafts with their cormorants, and verdant bamboo greets you all the way along the river in a breeze.
The reflections of the verdant peaks show the fascination of the Guilin landscape. Intoxicated in the natural painting, you'll get to know why the newly-issued RMB20 note carries the painting of this part of the river.
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Potala Palace, Tibet
The 50 Yuan note features a stunning image of the Potala Palace in Lhasa, Tibet. This architectural wonder was built in the 7th century by King Songtsan Gambo for his bride, Princess Wen Cheng of the Tang dynasty Emperor.
The Potala Palace is a 13-story palace complex standing atop a cliff over 3700 meters above sea level. It's a massive structure, occupying an area of over 360,000 square meters.
The palace is built of stone and wood, with traditional Han architectural style roofs featuring upturned eaves, tinkling bells, and gilded yellow tiles. The complex has two sections: the Red Palace in the center, used for religious functions, and the White Palace on two sides, which serve as the living quarters of the Dalai Lama.
In 1994, the Potala Palace of Lhasa was added to the list of World Cultural Heritages in China. This recognition acknowledges the palace's rich cultural and historical significance.
The Potala Palace has a daily entry quota of 2,300, which was increased from 1,500 in 2007 after the Qinghai-Tibet railway was put into operation. This limit is in place to protect the palace and its surroundings.
Great Hall of People, Beijing

The Great Hall of the People in Beijing is featured on the reverse side of the 100 Yuan note. It's located on the east side of Tiananmen Square in Beijing.
This impressive structure was constructed in just ten months in 1959. It's 336 meters long from north to south and 206 meters wide from east to west.
The Great Hall of the People is divided into three main sections: a 10,000-seat auditorium in the middle, a banquet hall on the north side, and the offices of the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress on the south side.
Visitors can explore the series of reception halls named for each of China's provinces, decorated in local style and simple design. These reception halls are truly a sight to behold.
The Great Hall of the People is now open to both domestic and foreign visitors, but visiting hours depend on the meetings scheduled in the hall.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What do China dollars look like?
The Chinese yuan renminbi, also known as China dollars, is denoted by the symbol ¥, which can sometimes be written as CN¥ to distinguish it from the Japanese yen.
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