Brace yourselves, folks! The Chinese New Year of the Loong is just around the corner, and guess what's causing a massive online frenzy? 
At 10 p.m. Beijing Time on January 3, pre-orders for China's 2024 New Year commemorative coins and banknotes went live. And boy, did things get wild! According to netizens, the rush was so intense that several bank websites crashed under the pressure. 
Glitches, lagging pages, and delayed verification codes left many scrambling to snag these limited-edition collectibles.
So, what's all the hype about? Let's break it down:
2024 Year of the Loong Commemorative Coins 
- Face Value: 10 yuan (about $1.4 USD)
- Total Issuance: 120 million pieces
- Material: Bimetallic copper alloy
- Design: Features a stunning loong blending traditional Chinese paper-cutting with festive elements, plus flower lanterns and lingzhi mushrooms symbolizing good fortune
2024 Year of the Loong Commemorative Banknotes 
- Face Value: 20 yuan (about $2.8 USD)
- Total Issuance: 100 million notes
- Material: Durable plastic
- Front Design: A majestic loong-shaped pattern
- Back Design: A child dancing with a loong lantern, set against traditional Beijing quadrangle courtyards
These collectibles aren't just eye candy—they're legal tender! You can use them just like any other coins or banknotes of the same value. But let's be real, who would want to spend these beauties? 
If you're lucky enough to have secured a reservation, you can pick up your treasure at designated banks from January 9 to January 15. Don't forget to set a reminder! 
Fun fact: These are the 7th commemorative banknotes issued by the People's Bank of China and the second one celebrating the Year of the Loong. Clearly, the loong holds a special place in everyone's hearts! 
Oh, and here's the kicker: Prices for these commemoratives are already climbing on second-hand platforms. So, if you've missed out, be prepared to shell out a bit more. 
Whether you're a collector, a fan of Chinese culture, or just someone who loves cool stuff, these commemorative coins and banknotes are the perfect way to ring in the Year of the Loong! 
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
