The direct ferry service connecting the coastal city of Xiamen in Fujian Province and neighboring Jinmen island has proved a boon for travellers during the Spring Festival.

Over 7,000 Taiwan compatriots used the ferry service as the first leg of their journey home for family reunions during the week-long holiday. This is a 100 percent increase on last year. Ferry operators put on extra runs to cope with rising demand. Beginning January 9, and running for 25 days, the ferry will be operating six days a week, instead of the usual four. This is the third year the ferry service has operated between Xiamen and Jinmen.

However, although the service has improved links with Xiamen, most travellers between the mainland and Taiwan still use Hong Kong or Macao as transit points.

(CCTV.com January 29, 2004)