In 2024, residents of Taiwan made over 4 million trips to the Chinese mainland, marking a significant 54.3% increase compared to the previous year, according to Chen Binhua, spokesperson for the State Council Taiwan Affairs Office.
“The Chinese mainland has consistently worked to facilitate exchanges across the Taiwan Strait, especially supporting Taiwan compatriots in working, studying, and living in southeastern Fujian Province,” Chen said during a regular press conference.
Fujian Province, designated as a demonstration zone for cross-strait integrated development, welcomed 920,000 trips by Taiwan compatriots last year, a 53.3% year-on-year increase. The province has become a key hub for cross-strait interactions.
Direct routes between Fujian’s coastal areas and the islands of Kinmen and Mazu saw substantial growth. In the past year, 8,817 trips operated on these routes, transporting over 1.37 million passengers—up 67.2% and 78.8%, respectively.
The four direct passenger routes—Mawei to Mazu, Huangqi to Mazu, Quanzhou to Kinmen, and Xiamen to Kinmen—now operate up to 210 trips per week, further enhancing connectivity between the regions.
Since the resumption of travel for Fujian residents to Kinmen and Mazu last year, Mazu received 193 group tourists and 885 individual tourists by the end of December, while Kinmen welcomed 2,834 group tourists and 39,751 individual tourists.
The Ministry of Culture and Tourism announced in late August 2024 the resumption of travel for Fujian residents to Kinmen, with the first tour group arriving in September. Mazu welcomed its first tour group in August last year.
Reference(s):
2024: Taiwan residents make over 4 mln trips to mainland, up 54.3%
cgtn.com
