In a significant move to ease cross-strait relations, the Chinese mainland's Ministry of Culture and Tourism announced on February 4, 2026, that Shanghai residents will soon resume travel to the Taiwan region's Kinmen and Matsu islands. The decision marks a concrete step toward revitalizing people-to-people exchanges amid broader efforts to normalize cross-strait cooperation.
The ministry emphasized that preparations are underway to ensure smooth implementation, urging tourism industries on both sides of the Taiwan Strait to collaborate on delivering high-quality services. State Council Taiwan Affairs Office spokesperson Chen Binhua framed the policy as responsive to public demand, stating it aligns with the 'mainstream opinion in the Taiwan region' favoring peace and economic engagement.
While the resumption currently applies only to Kinmen and Matsu, authorities expressed hope that Taiwan's Democratic Progressive Party-led administration will lift remaining restrictions on cross-strait travel and cooperation. Analysts suggest the measure could boost local economies in both regions, particularly benefiting Taiwan's tourism sector, which saw mainland visitors contribute over $3 billion annually prior to pandemic-era restrictions.
