Taiwan compatriots flock to mainland to worship ancestors during Qingming Festival

The two-way ferry service between the mainland and the Taiwan region has seen a surge in Taiwan compatriots returning to the mainland to worship their ancestors during the Qingming Festival, also known as the Tomb-Sweeping Day. 　

"Three direct links," which refer to direct mail, transport and trade links across the Taiwan Strait, have facilitated the flow of people, goods and capital across the Strait. 　

"We have increased law enforcement personnel for passengers from Xiamen and Kinmen recently," said　Ye Jianfeng, a law enforcement officer of Xiamen Lujiang Marine Division, "We also strengthened inspections on the ships%26rsquo; fire fighting, life-saving and crew's practical ability, to make sure the ship is seaworthy and the crew is competent, so as to ensure passengers' safe travel." 　

Xiamen-Kinmen ferry, one of the direct transport links between Chinese mainland's Xiamen　in Fujian Province and Kinmen region administered by Taiwan authorities,　carried a total of 7,185 passengers from April 1 to 5. The average daily passenger flow has exceeded 1,400, an increase of 54　percent　compared with March. 　

"During the Qingming Festival, we can travel to the mainland to visit relatives and friends," said Wu Jiajiang, chairman of Kinmen County Tourism Association, "Taiwanese businessmen are willing to expand their access by 'three direct links,' so as to make the travel more convenient. We call it a one-day life circle, that is, you can travel in the morning, and return in the evening."