This is a German Reichspost issue, originally printed in green with a face value of 5 Pfennig, later overprinted with "China" in bold black letters for use in the German post offices established in China during the late 19th century. Such issues were part of the extraterritorial postal services set up by Germany in treaty ports following the colonial expansion period.

The base design features the German imperial eagle within a highly ornate frame, crowned at the top, with the inscription “REICHSPOST” at the bottom. The overprint was applied locally to distinguish these stamps for use exclusively in China and to prevent misuse in Germany.

These stamps are of particular interest to collectors specializing in German colonies, foreign post offices, and early international postal history. Condition, centering, and type of overprint (different fonts and settings exist) significantly affect value, as many varieties and rarities are known.