Cross-Strait Travel Boom! Loong Air Launches Direct Taichung-Chengdu Route, Unlocking Three Major Scenic Wonders Including Jiuzhaigou

Central Taiwan's international air connectivity has reached a new milestone. Loong Air's direct route between Chengdu Tianfu and Taichung officially commenced operations yesterday (28), becoming the airline's first cross-strait direct flight. Residents in central Taiwan who wish to travel across the strait or directly to Chengdu no longer need to make special trips to Taoyuan Airport, as air network coverage continues to expand. The number of routes has surged from 3 to 31! Liao Wei-Zhi highlights the market potential of 7 million people. Liao Wei-Zhi, Director-General Secretary of the Taichung City Government's Tourism Bureau, pointed out that the eight counties and cities of central Taiwan have a population exceeding 7 million. This vast consumer and travel demand relies primarily on Taichung International Airport as its main gateway. During the pandemic, Taichung's international routes dropped to just three, leading to the Tourism Bureau chief being humorously nicknamed the 'Three-Line Director.' Thanks to proactive efforts and route expansion, the number of routes has now successfully grown to 31, demonstrating strong momentum. High-speed rail in 1.5 hours—Jiuzhaigou and Huanglong's travertine pools within reach. With direct access to Chengdu, surrounding natural wonders are now easily accessible. From Chengdu East Station, taking the high-speed rail to Songpan Station takes only 1 hour and 33 minutes, with tickets starting at 97 RMB, allowing direct access to the Jiuzhaigou and Huanglong scenic areas. Jiuzhaigou features unique plateau travertine lakes and waterfalls and is also a core habitat for giant pandas. The nearby Huanglong scenic area boasts over 3,400 colorful travertine pools shimmering under sunlight, known as the 'Fairyland on Earth,' with dense primeval forests and year-round snow. 46-minute journey to pay homage to the Leshan Giant Buddha! Explore historical sites and indulge in Sichuan cuisine. For those interested in cultural heritage, taking the high-speed rail from Chengdu East Station to Leshan Station takes just 46 minutes, with tickets starting at 54 RMB. The Leshan Giant Buddha, carved during the Tang Dynasty, features a cleverly designed hidden drainage system to prevent weathering. In addition to visiting this UNESCO World Heritage site, travelers can enjoy local delicacies such as bobo chicken, sweet-skin duck, qiaojiao beef, and tofu pudding. With the launch of the direct Taichung route, whether you want to explore breathtaking highland scenery or indulge in Sichuan street food, you can now go whenever you want.