Travelers now have more options for transportation when planning travel to and from Mainland China! Responding to rising tourism demand, the Fujian Cross Strait Ferry Corporation and Uni-Wagon Marine Company, Ltd. expanded their Taipei Port – Pingtan (Fujian) ferry services in April, with more passages and daily departures from Monday through Saturday. The expansion is expected to increase capacity by a further 12,000 passenger transits and 2,300MT of cargo each month. Moreover, fares for this route are currently being offered at a special discount, making the price of a round-trip Taipei Port – Pingtan journey about the same as round-trip Taipei – Kaohsiung travel on the High Speed Rail (HSR). The Taipei Branch Office of the Port of Keelung notes that the Taipei Port – Pingtan ferry crossing takes about 3.5 hours. Taiwan nationals may purchase their ticket by showing a valid passport and Taiwan Compatriot Entry Permit, making the procedure even more convenient than crossing into Mainland China through Taiwan’s Jinmen or Mazu Islands. Moreover, Taipei Port is close to scenic and shopping attractions, including the Left Bank Park in Bali, Fishermen’s Wharf in Tamsui (Danshui), and the Mitsui Outlet Park in Linkou. Moreover, the port is less than a half-hour drive away from both Taipei City and Taoyuan International Airport via Expressway Nos. 61 or 64. Furthermore, the future potential for the Taipei Port – Pingtan ferry as a link in sea-air transport networks is significant. This fast and efficient ferry route is thus anticipated not only to boost Taiwan’s overall tourism sector but also to stimulate the tourism industry and general economy in northern Taiwan. The Taipei Port – Pingtan ferry route, inaugurated in 2013, has to date logged over 190,000 passenger transits, seen an average 7.3% annual growth in passengers, and carried some 150,000MT in cargo. The decision to increase regular passages on this route highlights the confidence of Taiwan businesses in the long-term sustainability of the ongoing growth in Cross-Strait shipping. Furthermore, plans are in the works to continue expanding passenger and cargo capacities on Cross-Strait ferry routes in the future, underscoring Taipei Port’s strategic geographic position for Taiwan - Mainland China water transportation. Provided by：Taipei Branch Office, Port of Keelung, TIPC Contact Person：Shui-chin Hsieh, Manager Telephone No.：02-26196011 E-mail Address：sain@klhb.gov.tw