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]()
VisaHQ’s China information hub can help ferry passengers navigate the documentation maze before they board, offering digital applications and step-by-step guidance for Taiwan Compatriot Permits, mainland visas and other travel papers—saving time at the terminal and smoothing the short hop across the Strait.
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.
VisaHQ’s China information hub can help ferry passengers navigate the documentation maze before they board, offering digital applications and step-by-step guidance for Taiwan Compatriot Permits, mainland visas and other travel papers—saving time at the terminal and smoothing the short hop across the Strait.
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.
