The Fujian high-speed ferry “Hai Xia” will commence its first voyage from Taipei Port on October 9. This is the first time Taipei Port has launched a “passenger” service, as well as the first time a mainland-registered ferry has entered northern Taiwan, marking a new milestone in cross-strait direct shipping. In the future, the journey from Taipei to Pingtan will take just 3 hours, with 2 round-trip voyages per week and a passenger capacity of up to 2,800 people. To celebrate the maiden voyage, the Hai Xia is offering a special promotional fare of just NT$3,200 for a one-way ticket, providing residents of northern Taiwan with more convenient access to Fujian in mainland China.
![](\"/pic/20200315/9d1cc53cc4e0338de1231ff5bf9c5595.jpg\")
Fujian’s “Hai Xia” is set to depart on October 9, making travel between Taipei and Pingtan more convenient. (Image provided by Fujian Hai Xia High-Speed Roll-on/Roll-off Shipping Co., Ltd.)
The high-speed ferry “Hai Xia” is set to open a new direct route from Pingtan to Taipei Port, following the launch of the direct Pingtan–Taichung route in 2011. The sea journey takes approximately 3 hours, with one round-trip voyage each on Wednesdays and Saturdays. The ferry departs Pingtan at 09:00 in the morning and Taipei Port at 14:00 in the afternoon. It offers residents of northern Taiwan an economical, convenient, and comfortable new option for traveling to mainland China for religious pilgrimages, business, family visits, and tourism. To celebrate the inaugural voyage from Taipei Port, a limited-time special offer is now available: passengers on the Taipei route can enjoy the same price as the Taichung route, with one-way tickets at NT$3,200 per person and round-trip tickets at NT$6,300 per person (both prices exclude tax). The promotion is valid only until November 8, 2013, so travelers are encouraged to take advantage of this opportunity.
Compared to current cross-strait transportation options, the “Hai Xia” high-speed ferry eliminates the inconveniences faced by Taiwanese travelers who previously had to take flights and then transfer to ferries via the “mini three links.” For residents of northern Taiwan, it also saves the time needed to travel to Taoyuan Airport for flights, making it the most economical, convenient, and fastest way to reach Fujian in mainland China. Moreover, the “Hai Xia” offers spacious and comfortable cabins, accommodating up to 750 passengers, and can also carry large cargo such as palanquins and bicycles, providing added convenience for those traveling to Fujian for religious pilgrimages, tourism, or business.
The Fujian “Hai Xia” is one of the world’s few fastest high-speed roll-on/roll-off passenger ferries made entirely of aluminum alloy with a wave-piercing catamaran design. It was manufactured by Australia’s INCAT TSAIMANIA PTY LTD, with a total cost of around USD 40 million. The ship is 97.22 meters long, 26.6 meters wide, with a gross tonnage of 6,556 tons and a top speed of 43 knots (approximately 80 km/h). The vessel has four decks for cargo and passengers: the first and second decks are for vehicles, while the third and fourth decks are for passengers and the bridge, respectively. With its comfortable, fast, and attentive service, the Hai Xia provides a new shortcut for direct cross-strait travel.
● Further Reading:
Travel Back in Time: Explore Theme Parks in Shenzhen and Zhuhai
http://goo.gl/X12oyj
MOOK Scenic Spots Family Travel Life Network – The Largest Chinese Travel Information Platform
www.mook.com.tw