Will a Large Number of Chinese Tourists Flood Taiwan? Latest Summer Travel Update: Cross-Strait Flight Routes Reopened, New Destinations Revealed – Civil Aviation Authority Data Exposed

In recent years, cross-strait relations have become increasingly tense. However, starting in July, several airlines from mainland China have resumed or launched new flight routes to Taiwan. Loong Air (Zhejiang Changlong Airlines) began operating the 'Taichung to Chengdu Tianfu' route on July 28, with two weekly flights, further increasing transport capacity between central Taiwan and southwestern China. As flight capacity on cross-strait routes recovers and expands, online communities have circulated messages claiming that 'a large number of mainland Chinese tourists are about to flood into Taiwan.' These messages assert that starting July 28, 'direct flights from one county-city are fully reopened,' and two major airlines have resumed operations. In response, fact-checking platform MyGoPen released an investigative report on August 3 to clarify the situation.

What are the current cross-strait flight routes? The latest information on flight changes in July has been revealed. Taiwan's Ministry of Transportation and Civil Aviation Administration emphasizes that the resumption of flight routes does not indicate a relaxation of policies regarding mainland tourists entering Taiwan. According to statistics, 15 regular flight destinations and 13 charter flight destinations are currently open between the two sides, totaling 28 direct flight points. The Civil Aviation Administration explains that existing routes already cover major market demands, and future adjustments to flight frequencies will depend on airline market demand and bilateral negotiations. As for the much-discussed issue of mainland tourists visiting Taiwan, it still requires negotiation through existing mechanisms between the two sides, proceeding under the principles of safety, reciprocity, and order. At this stage, the government has not announced the resumption of group or individual travel for mainland Chinese tourists to Taiwan.

Recent changes in cross-strait air transport and flight operations are as follows:

- China Eastern Airlines: Resumed Taichung–Chengdu Tianfu regular flights on July 1, operating two flights per week - Spring Airlines: Launched Kaohsiung–Ningbo Lishe route on July 4, operating two flights per week - Shandong Airlines: Resumed Taichung–Qingdao route on July 23, operating one flight per week - Loong Air: Launched Taichung–Chengdu Tianfu route on July 28, operating two flights per week

Are a large number of mainland tourists coming to Taiwan? Cross-strait routes resume and new routes open

Regarding rumors that 'Taiwan has opened new cross-strait routes, and a large number of mainland tourists are coming,' the report cites a July 28 article from Storm Media, which mentioned that China Eastern Airlines resumed regular flights from Taichung to Qingdao starting July 1, and Loong Air officially launched the 'Chengdu Tianfu–Taichung' direct flight on the 28th. The article only mentioned routes from Taichung to mainland China, not a large influx of tourists to Taiwan. Additionally, there have been previous reports about Spring Airlines launching a route from Ningbo to Kaohsiung.

Can mainland tourists travel to Taiwan independently? Can Taiwanese people travel to China independently?

Regarding regulations on 'opening tourism' between the two sides, MyGoPen points out that in late July 2019, the Association for Tourism Exchange Across the Taiwan Straits announced the suspension of individual tourist endorsements for mainland residents traveling to Taiwan. On Taiwan's side, the Ministry of the Interior's Immigration Agency's 'Mainland Area Residents Entry and Exit – Tourism' information states that mainland residents must be at least 20 years old and provide proof of financial capability to travel to Taiwan individually. The Mainland Affairs Council (MAC) announced in late August 2023 the resumption of tourism for mainland tourists residing in third countries or regions. The report concludes that China has not yet reopened tourist endorsements for travel to Taiwan, meaning ordinary citizens still cannot fly directly to Taiwan for tourism purposes. The rumored flight routes are instead intended to facilitate travel for Taiwanese people to China.

More exclusive insider reports from Storm Media:

- Will billions in mainland tourist spending flood into Taiwan? MAC rejects inspection visits by Shanghai and Fujian tourism industry representatives; Chinese state media sends new signals: continuing to show goodwill - The 'Little Three Links' dormant for 14 years—local tourism industry preparing to cash in! Will the next destination for mainland tourists be 'this county-city'? Liang Wenjie expresses goodwill: 'Willing to study it' - 300,000 mainland tourists flooding Kinmen and Matsu! Mainland Affairs Office signals next open county-city, local tourism industry preparing for revival? - Mainland tourists knock twice but rejected by MAC! Why is the tourism industry collectively silent? Industry players disillusioned: 'Economic issues have no answers in politics—we all understand now'