First private cars from Taiwan roll into mainland for visit

Tourists driving two Taiwan-registered private cars were allowed to travel in Xiamen, Fujian province, on Monday on the first leg of a four-day tour of the province, marking a breakthrough for cross-Straits travel.

It was the first time that private cars carrying tourists were allowed from Taiwan to the Chinese mainland. The vehicles were taken to Xiamen aboard the ferry Cosco Star, which travels between Xiamen and Taiwan's Keelong.

Eight tourists, all members of the Taiwan Self-Driving Tourism Association, received a briefing on mainland transportation regulations, provisional plates and provisional driving permits.