Mainland cruise ship arrives in northern Taiwan; maiden voyage brings 200 mainland tourists directly to Taipei

Reported by Reporter You [Name unclear] / Taipei


▲ The Haixia on its maiden voyage today. (Photo / Provided by operator)

Fujian’s high-speed passenger ferry "Haixia" officially set sail today (the 9th), marking the launch of the Taipei Port to Pingtan, Fujian route. The maiden voyage carried over 200 passengers, departing from Pingtan, Fujian at 9:00 AM and arriving smoothly at Taipei Port at 12:00 PM. To welcome the inaugural voyage, the port held a water-spraying ceremony for the arrival of the "Haixia," marking the first time Taipei Port has activated its “passenger transport” service mechanism, as well as the first entry of a mainland-operated passenger ferry into northern Taiwan.

Compared to current cross-strait travel options, the high-speed passenger ferry "Haixia" eliminates many inconveniences for Taiwanese travelers who previously had to take domestic flights and then transfer to ferries via the “mini three links.” It also saves time for those in northern Taiwan who would otherwise need to travel to Taoyuan Airport for flights. The Taipei–Pingtan route operated by the "Haixia" can carry up to 750 passengers per voyage.

The "Haixia" high-speed passenger ferry is reopening a new direct route between Pingtan and Taipei Port, following the 2011 launch of the direct Pingtan to Taichung Port route. The sea journey takes approximately three hours, with one round-trip flight operating every Wednesday and Saturday. The ferry departs Pingtan at 09:00 AM and Taipei Port at 02:00 PM. To celebrate the Taipei Port inaugural voyage, a limited-time promotional package is now available, offering Taipei route passengers the same pricing as the Taichung route—just NT$3,200 per person for a one-way ticket and NT$6,300 per person for a round trip.


▲ A welcome ceremony was held for the maiden voyage. (Photo / Provided by operator)