The Matsu Islands of Taiwan [Photo/Official WeChat account of visitlj]

The number of people taking the Huangqi-Matsu ship route exceeded 50,000 for the first time since the operation of the route, which was first introduced in December 2015, Chinanews reported on Dec 11.

The Huangqi-Matsu ship route, the fastest route between the mainland and Matsu, is one of Fujian province's four "Mini Three Links", which is a pact between Fujian and Taiwan's Jinmen and Matsu counties that allows small-scale exchanges of personnel and cargo. 

Since its opening in 2015, the number of inbound and outbound trips and passengers has steadily increased, and a total of more than 5,300 trips have been made by 180,000 passengers. The route has now grown into an important channel for promoting cross-Straits exchanges.

In an effort to deepen economic cooperation and cultural exchange between the two sides of the Taiwan Straits, Fuzhou customs has taken more concrete actions to promote the development of the Huangqi-Matsu route and improve the efficiency of customs clearance.

Fujian has also introduced buses running between Fuzhou International Airport and Aoqian Port and between Xiamen Airport and Wutong Port.