Data released by the Xiamen Immigration Inspection Authority on 5 February show that 2.16 million Taiwan residents used Fujian’s four ‘mini-three-link’ passenger ferry routes (Xiamen–Kinmen, Fuzhou Mawei–Matsu, Fuzhou Huangqi–Matsu and Quanzhou–Kinmen) during 2025, a record since the services began 25 years ago. (chinanews.com.cn)
The figure represents a 17 percent increase over 2024 and accounts for more than 20 percent of all cross-Strait passenger movements. Immigration officials attribute the growth to upgraded terminals, simplified online ticketing and the resumption of study-tour and medical-tourism programmes post-pandemic. The Xiamen route alone handled 1.44 million crossings, benefiting from 30-minute sailing times and up to 42 daily departures.
![Fujian’s ‘small-three-link’ ferries push Taiwan-resident traffic past 2 million in 2025]()
For Taiwan companies with factories in Fujian and the Pearl River Delta, the ferries provide a cost-effective alternative to congested air routes, with a one-way ticket priced at about RMB 160 and no fuel surcharge. The services also allow holders of Taiwan Compatriot Permits to complete entry formalities on board, cutting door-to-door journey times.
Looking forward, Fujian province plans to trial fully automated e-boarding gates at Xiamen’s Wutong terminal by year-end and to integrate ticket-purchase data with China’s health-declaration mini-program, further shaving processing times.
The figure represents a 17 percent increase over 2024 and accounts for more than 20 percent of all cross-Strait passenger movements. Immigration officials attribute the growth to upgraded terminals, simplified online ticketing and the resumption of study-tour and medical-tourism programmes post-pandemic. The Xiamen route alone handled 1.44 million crossings, benefiting from 30-minute sailing times and up to 42 daily departures.
For Taiwan companies with factories in Fujian and the Pearl River Delta, the ferries provide a cost-effective alternative to congested air routes, with a one-way ticket priced at about RMB 160 and no fuel surcharge. The services also allow holders of Taiwan Compatriot Permits to complete entry formalities on board, cutting door-to-door journey times.
Looking forward, Fujian province plans to trial fully automated e-boarding gates at Xiamen’s Wutong terminal by year-end and to integrate ticket-purchase data with China’s health-declaration mini-program, further shaving processing times.
Source: China News Service
