A convoy of 43 travelers from Taiwan, accompanied by 12 self-driving vehicles, set out on a remarkable journey to explore the scenic Pingtan, the closest place on the mainland to the island of Taiwan. The expedition commenced at 9 a.m. on February 27, with the group visiting key attractions including Tannan Bay, the Pingtan International Research Center for Austronesian Archaeology, and the Pingtan Aoqian Terminal where ships conduct regular voyages to Taiwan.

Among the adventurers was Jian Dawei from Taoyuan, Taiwan, who, along with his wife and friends, couldn't help but commend the smooth and comfortable roads of Pingtan. This marked Jian Dawei's inaugural self-driving tour since obtaining a mainland driver's license, and he expressed plans to venture into distinct driving experiences in locations such as Xizang and Sichuan.

Notably, alongside those who recently secured mainland driver's licenses were participants who obtained temporary driving permits. Qiu Dingjun, having worked in Suzhou for four years, shared his excitement about obtaining such a permit, expressing a keen interest in frequent self-driving tours in the area over the next year.

Out of the 43 Taiwan participants in the Pingtan self-driving expedition, 34 initiated mainland driver license conversion or temporary driving permits. As of the 28 February, 16 successfully acquired mainland driver's licenses, while 17 obtained temporary permits.

The participants are optimistic about the convenience of obtaining mainland driver's licenses, envisioning closer interactions across the Taiwan Straits. This, they believe, will contribute to mutual understanding and play a pivotal role in the development of Pingtan, serving as a pioneering region for cross-Strait integration.

The journey not only showcases the allure of Pingtan but also emphasizes the potential for increased cultural exchange and collaboration on both sides of the Taiwan Straits. As these self-driving enthusiasts pave the way, they hope to foster a new era of connection and understanding across the Straits.