Although ration coupons have faded into the past, the coupons provide a unique insight into China's past and are becoming popular with collectors both old and young.

One can still find coupons at many antique shops and markets, as well as at museums throughout the country.

At present, the majority of coupons collectors tend to be senior people. “It is very common to see old guys sailing about here especially on weekends eager to have a look at new shelved coupons,” An antique shop vendor at Liulichang in Beijing said.

For the old generation, coupon collection is a way to remember the past, whereas for younger people, it is more out of interest in China's history and historical value.

“I fell to coupon collection because of their dedicate designs and potential value. Less is more. A scarce coupon may sell for a good price in the future, and at present I have no less than 500 coupons on hand,” a young collector told the Global Times.

Though economic reforms have brought new prosperity to much of China and ended the need for such coupons, there is perhaps no other country with more ration coupons than China, given the coupons' long and extensive history in China.

The coupons offer an illuminating contrast to the dizzy diversity of modern China that is increasingly being recognized not only by China's older generations, but also by its younger generations, who may never have even used a ration coupon before.

Editor: Feng Hui