As the Chinese Lunar New Year approaches, the ferry service between Xiamen on China's mainland and the island of Jinmen is running at peak capacity. As Taiwan businesspeople return home to Jinmen, and locals catch the ferry for mainland shopping trips, passenger numbers are peaking.

Officials from the Xiamen-Jinmen ferry line say about 1,800 passengers used the ferries on Saturday. That's about 400 more than the previous few days. And the number is expected to increase as the Lunar New Year draws near.

Taiwan businesspeople working on the mainland are returning home for the Spring Festival, and many Taiwan people come to the mainland for shopping or holidays in Xiamen. The ferry line has sailings to meet demand.

(CCTV.com February 7, 2005)