Chinese Yuan

The Chinese yuan reflects the central unit of the Renminbi, expressing continuity and transformation within one of the world’s oldest civilizations.

Quick Facts

Country: China

Code: CNY

Symbol: ¥

System: Decimal (1 Yuan = 10 Jiao = 100 Fen)

Status: In circulation

Issuers: People's Bank of China, Hainan Bank

The Story of the Chinese Yuan

The modern Yuan emerged in 1948 with the creation of the Renminbi, unifying a fragmented monetary system after decades of war and hyperinflation. It became the stabilizing force of a centrally planned economy and later adapted to the sweeping reforms of the late 20th century, accompanying China’s transition toward a globally integrated economic power. Across successive banknote series—from early socialist designs to the contemporary Fifth Series—the Yuan reflects the country’s evolving institutional identity and its growing global influence.

Design & Symbolism

The visual identity of the Chinese Yuan is defined by continuity and centralized symbolism. Since the introduction of the Fifth Series in 1999, all denominations prominently feature the portrait of Mao Zedong, establishing a unified national iconography. Reverse designs present some of China’s most iconic landscapes: the Great Hall of the People (100 Yuan), the Yangtze River Three Gorges (10 Yuan), Guilin’s karst formations (20 Yuan) and the Potala Palace in Lhasa (50 Yuan). Produced by the People’s Bank of China using advanced intaglio and offset printing, the modern series integrates high-level security, including SPARK® color-shifting elements, microprinting and detailed watermark portraits.

For collectors

For collectors, the Chinese Yuan offers one of the most dynamic modern markets in global numismatics. The early 1999 Fifth Series is particularly sought after because its reverse designs omitted the Latin-script word “YUAN,” a detail corrected in the 2005 redesign—making original 1999 issues, especially the 50 Yuan note, highly desirable. Beyond standard circulation, China’s commemorative banknotes form an elite tier of collecting: the 2000 “Millennium Dragon” 100 Yuan note—China’s first polymer issue—and the 2008 Beijing Olympics 10 Yuan note are considered modern icons. Collectors also track replacement notes, signature varieties and subtle print differences, turning the Yuan into a field where technical precision meets rapidly growing market demand.

At the core of the system, the yuan anchors China’s monetary identity across past and present.

Explore the Chinese Yuan Banknotes Collection