Families reunite across the Strait

By Lu Feiran  |   2008-7-5  |     NEWSPAPER EDITION

A TOTAL of 100 Shanghai tourists left for Taiwan yesterday as part of the first tour group from the Chinese mainland to the region.

The 600-strong group will stay in Taiwan for 10 days in a 12,888-yuan (US$1,841) package which will take them to the island's main scenic attractions.

Some of the Shanghai tourists have relatives in Taiwan, and they said they signed up not only for the sightseeing but also to visit family members they had not seen for many years.

Shen Qiren, 76, said he wanted to visit his foster mother who is in a rest home in Taipei.

He said it had always been his wish to visit her, and signed up for the tour when he learned that Taiwan-bound tour groups were starting.

"She raised me until I was 12 or 13 years old, and then she went to live in Taiwan and I haven't seen her since," he said.

"I think she is now about 97 years old, and this is probably my last chance to see her."

Tan Zhixing, 70, said he had wished to go to Taiwan for years as his elder brother has been there for more than 60 years.

"After 1984, he sometimes came to Shanghai to see us, but we've never been to his place," said Tan. "This time we will be able to have a look at the city he lives in."

Organized by Shanghai CYTS Tour and Jinjiang International Travel Service Co Ltd, the tourists met other group members from Beijing, Guangzhou, Xiamen and Nanjing in Taiwan yesterday. An official welcome banquet was held to greet them in the evening in Taipei.

According to present policy, Taiwan will accept 3,000 tourists from the Chinese mainland each day.

The second tour group to the region will set out on July 18. Several tour packages are on offer, with prices ranging from 8,800 to 12,800 yuan.