Ferry links mark 25-year travel milestone

Over 26 million passengers have traveled via the "Mini Three Links" ferry services over the past 25 years, according to Fujian immigration inspection data on Friday. The routes connect Fujian province of the Chinese mainland with the islands of Jinmen and Matsu, serving as a primary corridor for cross-Strait exchanges.

On Jan 2, 2001, the inaugural voyage began with two ferries from Jinmen carrying 180 residents to Xiamen, Fujian. Simultaneously, a delegation of 507 people from Matsu arrived at Mawei Port in Fuzhou, capital of Fujian, establishing the first direct ferry links between the two sides after decades of separation.

Today, four ferry routes are in operation, linking the mainland cities of Fuzhou, Xiamen, and Quanzhou with Jinmen and Matsu. These routes have emerged as the most affordable and frequent transport options for travelers crossing the Taiwan Strait.

In 2025, over 1.43 million passengers from Taiwan used the ferry services, marking a record high since the routes were established.

A passenger surnamed Chang, from Tainan, said customs clearance has become significantly more convenient. Last year, he traveled to Xiamen twice by boat before continuing to his ancestral hometown in Quanzhou.

Another passenger, surnamed Lin, traveled from Taipei to Xiamen via Jinmen in December to tour the mainland. She noted that entry checks now utilize facial recognition and fingerprint verification, describing the process as "very fast and easy".

Chen Jinlai, deputy head of the Gaoqi Immigration Inspection Station in Xiamen, said the efficiency of the routes has transformed regional travel. "Ferries operate every half-hour, with a crossing time of just 25 minutes," Chen said. "It's as easy as taking a bus."

Chen noted that many Taiwan residents, the majority of whom have ancestral roots in Fujian, use these routes to visit family shrines during Qingming Festival. The links are also frequently used by those participating in ceremonies for Mazu — a shared folk deity — as well as those attending sporting events like bicycle races and baseball matches on the mainland.

To accommodate the high volume, ports have implemented tailored facilities.

Contact the writers at zhangyi1@chinadaily.com.cn