Travel to Hong Kong and Macao has become more popular among the people of Taicang, Jiangsu province. Over the past eight months, the number of travelers reached more than 130,000, with a year-on-year increase of 25 percent.

Taicang residents can visit the two special administrative regions easily because an electronic permit took effect on Sept 15.

The new permit looks like an ID card and has an integrated circuit chip with personal data and useful information. The electronic permit is also more difficult to copy.

The endorsements will be printed on the back of the card, which are rewritable. Cardholders can ask the authorities on the mainland or in Hong Kong and Macao for the remaining passing times.

People over 16 wanting to obtain a permit need to apply by themselves at the local police department and be fingerprinted. The permit is valid for up to 10 years for adults, and five years for anyone below the age of 16.

The e-permit, which enables holders to use e-channel service with fingerprint verification and photo check, is expected to improve efficiency in official inspection at the checkpoints. However, the e-channel service is not available for children under seven.