This striking stamp from China (People’s Republic) features a bold black “1000” yuan surcharge applied to an earlier orange steam locomotive definitive, reflecting the dramatic postal rate adjustments of the early PRC period. Issued during a time of economic transition and currency reform, the surcharge symbolizes inflationary pressures and the rapid restructuring of China’s postal system after 1949. The locomotive motif represents industrial progress and national rebuilding, a key theme of early People’s Post issues. Highly sought after by collectors of PRC classics, surcharges, and railway-themed stamps, this issue is an important artifact of China’s early philatelic history.