Currency in China – The Chinese Yuan (CNY)
The official currency of China is the Chinese Yuan, internationally abbreviated as CNY.
What Does the Chinese Yuan Look Like?
Banknotes currently in circulation include the following denominations:
- 1 yuan
- 5 yuan
- 10 yuan
- 20 yuan
- 50 yuan
- 100 yuan
Smaller denominations include:
- Banknotes: 1, 2, and 5 jiao
- Coins: 1, 2, and 5 fen; 1 and 5 jiao; and 1 yuan
The front of each banknote features a portrait of Mao Zedong, the former Chairman of the Communist Party of China and a key figure in the country’s modern political history.
The reverse sides of the notes display famous landmarks and natural scenery:
- 1 CNY – West Lake in Hangzhou
- 5 CNY – Mount Tai in Shandong Province
- 10 CNY – The Three Gorges of the Yangtze River in Central China
- 20 CNY – The Li River in Guilin
- 50 CNY – The Potala Palace in Tibet
- 100 CNY – The Great Hall of the People in Beijing
Example Prices in China (approx.):
- Bread – 10 CNY
- Mineral water (1.5 L) – 4.00 CNY
- Espresso coffee – 5.00 CNY
Chinese Yuan Exchange Rate
Curious about the current exchange rate for the Chinese Yuan?
You can follow the live CNY rate in the "Currencies" tab or visit our live exchange charts page.