A Taiwanese-owned high-speed ferry began operating between Taipei and Pingtan, in China’s Fujian Province, on Tuesday, adding to the transportation options across the Taiwan Strait.
Each trip aboard the Natchan Rera takes three hours.
The ship, owned by the Wagon Group, sails between Taipei and Pingtan on Tuesdays and Wednesdays, while continuing to ferry passengers between Suao and Hualien in Taiwan the rest of the week.
Two Chinese-owned boats already offer regular ferry services linking Taiwan to Xiamen, also in Fujian, and to Pingtan.
Travelers can also board a ferry to the outlying islands of Kinmen and Matsu and travel on from there to China’s Fujian Province as part of the “small three links” that were launched in 2001.
The four-deck high-speed boat can carry 800 passengers, 24 tour buses and 300 cars.
Fares for a one-way trip are NT$3,450 for economy class, NT$3,950 for business class and NT$4,500 for first class.
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