Pingtan, a Chinese mainland island off the coast of Fujian province and a key hub for cross-Strait integration, has resumed direct cargo shipping with Taiwan following a 628-day suspension. On the morning of August 6, the ferry Haixia departed from Pingtan, carrying containers loaded with commercial goods bound for the Port of Taipei. This marks the restart of a critical maritime link.

The voyage signifies a significant restart in maritime trade across the Taiwan Straits and restores one of the region's most convenient sea routes. The cross-Straits ferry had been out of service since late 2023.

"We see this cargo service as an opportunity to further refine our cross-Straits logistics solutions," said Wang Feng, director of tourism and passenger transport operations at the ferry company. "We're also looking forward to the early return of Haixia's passenger ferry service, which has long been awaited by travelers."

Since its maiden voyage in November 2011, the Haixia has carried nearly one million passengers and over 38,000 tons of goods, making it a vital maritime link between Pingtan and Taiwan. The journey from Pingtan to Taichung takes only 2.5 hours by high-speed ferry, boosting the route's appeal for both business and holiday travel.

For Taiwan compatriots living in Pingtan, the service restoration renews optimism. "Haixia has always been the most convenient and affordable travel option for us," said Hsueh Ching-te, a Taiwan compatriot in Pingtan. "We truly hope that the passenger service will resume soon, just like the cargo has."