1 Yuan CNY #120

Front

Portraits of two young women representing the Dong and Yao ethnic minorities of China. The Dong people are primarily found in Guizhou, Hunan and Guangxi provinces, known for their distinctive architecture and polyphonic singing tradition; the Yao people inhabit mountainous regions of southern China and are recognized for their colorful traditional dress and elaborate silver jewelry. This design was part of the Fourth Series' effort to represent China's ethnic diversity, with different denominations featuring different minority groups.

Back

The Great Wall of China at Badaling, the most visited section of the Wall, located approximately 80 kilometers northwest of Beijing. Originally built during the Ming Dynasty (1368–1644), this section was restored in 1957 and became the first part opened to tourists. The Great Wall, stretching over 21,000 kilometers, is one of China's most iconic symbols and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, representing the country's ancient military defense system and engineering prowess.

History

Fourth series of the Renminbi, issued between 1987 and 1997 (though dated 1980 and 1990), replacing the Third Series. This series was notable for featuring portraits of ethnic minorities rather than worker-peasant-soldier imagery, reflecting China's policy of ethnic unity and recognition of its 56 officially recognized ethnic groups. The 1 Yuan note specifically depicts Dong and Yao women. The series incorporated improved anti-counterfeiting features including watermarks, security threads, and microprinting. It was gradually withdrawn starting in 2018, with complete demonetization on May 1, 2018, replaced by the Fifth Series.