50 Chinese Yuan Foreign Exchange Certificate (1988)

The 50 Chinese Yuan Foreign Exchange Certificate issued in 1988 forms part of the later generation of Foreign Exchange Certificates (FECs) produced by the Bank of China during a period of controlled currency use in the People’s Republic of China. These certificates were created specifically for foreign visitors, diplomats, and overseas Chinese, allowing them to spend money at approved locations without using standard Renminbi, which remained restricted for domestic circulation at the time.

Although denominated in yuan and fixed at parity with the Renminbi, Foreign Exchange Certificates were legally distinct and could only be used in designated hotels, shops, restaurants, and transport hubs authorised for foreign currency transactions. By the late 1980s, FECs such as this 50 Yuan note were widely used by international travellers, particularly as China expanded tourism and foreign trade.

The front of the 50 Yuan Foreign Exchange Certificate (1988) features a detailed scenic landscape, showing dramatic karst mountains rising from calm waters, a design style commonly associated with southern China. The scene is framed by intricate geometric and floral border patterns, with the denomination “50” displayed prominently in the corners and in Chinese characters. The issuing authority, the Bank of China, is clearly identified at the top, along with serial numbering and official seals that emphasise the certificate’s controlled and specialist nature.

The reverse of the note is printed primarily in English and is more formal in layout. It states clearly that the certificate is a “Foreign Exchange Certificate” and explains that the yuan expressed is equivalent in value to Renminbi yuan. The text also specifies that the certificate may only be used within China at designated places and that no request to register loss will be accepted by the bank. The denomination “FIFTY YUAN” is displayed prominently, framed by ornate guilloché patterns typical of late-1980s security printing.

Foreign Exchange Certificates were gradually withdrawn during the 1990s as China unified its currency system and allowed wider use of Renminbi by both domestic and foreign users. Today, 1988-issued FECs are no longer valid for use and are considered withdrawn, making them suitable for exchange only through specialist services rather than high-street banks.

• Indicate the quantity of 50 Chinese Yuan Foreign Exchange Certificates you want to exchange

• Click the ‘Add to your account’ button

• Your online account now shows the exchange value

We provide a secure UK-based service for exchanging withdrawn and non-circulating Chinese currency, including Foreign Exchange Certificates from both the 1979 and later 1980s issues. Many banks no longer accept these notes due to their specialist status and withdrawal from circulation, but we regularly handle legacy Chinese banknotes for individuals, charities, and businesses.

Rarer banknotes may take longer than 5 days due to additional authenticity checks.