The first mainland travel group left Fujian Province for the Mazu Island of the Taiwan region in the morning June 27. This marks the beginning of the mainland visitors touring the Mazu Island.

The first group, of 86 Fujian residents, will stay in Mazu for three days and two nights. The tour is costing them 2,300 yuan each, or 240 US dollars. This is US$60 higher than the price for a trip to Jinmen Island of the Taiwan region.

The mainland and Taiwan tourism authorities are also making preparations for mainland tours to Penghu Island of the Taiwan region.

(CCTV.com June 27, 2005)