Hongkong Post prepares four-stamp Kowloon City issue for 20 August

Hongkong Post will release the next instalment of its Hong Kong Past and Present series on 20 August 2026, focusing on Kowloon City District. The issue comprises four stamps denominated HK$2.40, HK$4.20, HK$5.70 and HK$5.80, together with a souvenir sheet and the usual associated philatelic products. The designs compare historical and contemporary aspects of the district, using postage stamps as compact records of changes in its streetscape, community life and built environment.

Lai Wai-ying designed the issue, which is printed by Cartor Security Printing in France using lithography. Each stamp measures 30 by 45 millimetres and is supplied in panes of 25. Hongkong Post specifies perforation of 13.25 with an elliptical perforation and paper containing security fibres. The souvenir sheet measures 160 by 85 millimetres. These production details make the issue suitable for a full technical catalogue entry rather than a preliminary subject announcement.

The four denominations correspond to different postal requirements and should be retained individually in catalogue data. Collectors assembling complete production formats should distinguish singles, full panes, the souvenir sheet, first-day covers, serviced items and the presentation pack. The elliptical perforation is a visible security and handling feature, while security fibres may require suitable light and magnification to document consistently. Images should be linked to the correct denomination and product rather than treated as interchangeable illustrations of the theme. Pane position, selvage and marginal markings may also matter to specialists and should be photographed before sheets are divided.

Kowloon City has layers of urban and postal-history interest, and the past-and-present format encourages comparison rather than simple commemoration. For local-history collectors, the set can support studies of redevelopment, transport, architecture and neighbourhood identity. For thematic exhibitors, the paired historical and modern viewpoints offer a way to demonstrate change over time. Commercial use during the issue period may be particularly valuable when the denomination matches the service paid and the cover retains a clear origin and date. The issue may also be compared with earlier districts in the same series to study continuity in layout, values and historical interpretation.

Hongkong Post states that the stamps will be available at post offices for three months after issue, subject to stock, and through ShopThruPost for six months. Collectors should check the official sales arrangements for first-day cancellation availability and any special arrangements at Kowloon City Post Office. Advance servicing deadlines published in the August bulletin have already passed, so late requests should not be represented as valid advance orders.

The 5 August bulletin provides the advance-publication date, while 20 August is the postal issue date. Later sales figures, counter arrangements and documented varieties can expand the issue’s history without changing those dates. Physical inspection remains important before assigning colour shades, watermark, phosphor or plate information that the announcement does not state. Images of panes, the souvenir sheet and packaging should be identified separately to prevent product formats from being confused. Used examples tied to identifiable Kowloon City locations can add postal context beyond the mint products and presentation materials sold on release day.