Bank of China (Hong Kong) issued 2 million HK$20 commemorative banknotes (Pick 353a) for the XXIV Olympic Winter Games in Beijing. Unveiled on 24 November 2021, the design draws on the Tang-dynasty poem “From Far Away You Share This Moment With Me”, linking Hong Kong with the mainland host city.
Beijing’s second Olympic banknote
When Beijing became the first city to host both Summer and Winter Olympic Games, Hong Kong again joined Macau in issuing matching commemorative notes. The 2022 HK$20 issue (Pick P353a) carries a 1 January 2022 date and a blue winter palette distinct from the purple 2008 note, while retaining the same 143 × 71.5 mm format and BOCHK branding.
Two million notes were allocated through a December 2021 subscription lottery — tighter than the 2008 run of four million. The vertical reverse showing Victoria Harbour, the Great Wall and winter athletes has become one of the most distinctive layouts in modern Hong Kong paper money.
Vertical reverse design
In a departure from Hong Kong’s usual horizontal layout, the reverse is printed vertically. It depicts a speed skater and alpine skier against moonlit Victoria Harbour, the Great Wall and mountain scenery — symbolising Hong Kong’s support for Beijing 2022.
Issue details
- Subscription ran from 1 to 10 December 2021; lottery results were announced on 21 December. Notes are dated 1 January 2022 and measure 143 × 71.5 mm.
- Single notes sold for HK$138; four-in-one uncut sheets for HK$338; and 35-note sheets for HK$1,388. Net proceeds were donated to local charities.
- Security features include a Galaxy windowed thread with Saturn effect, a snowflake watermark and electrotype “20”.