Taiwan residents dream of bridge to offshore islands

For years, Taiwan resident Wu Chia-ying has hoped to see a bridge connecting the bustling mainland to Jinmen, an islet attached to Taiwan but lying off the coast of Xiamen, Fujian province.

"When the weather is fine, standing on the seaside of Xiamen, you can even see every inch of Jinmen, as if you could reach the other side by lifting your foot," said the 56-year-old, who started a trading business in Xiamen 20 years ago.

Xiamen and Jinmen - separated by a narrow stretch of water - share geographical ties, dialect and customs. "Residents feel at home when visiting the other city," he said.