Taiwan’s Tourism Industry Celebrates Resumption of Group Tours from Mainland China

As the Spring Festival comes close, the Chinese mainland is set to resume group tour services in Taiwan for the residents of Shanghai and Fujian. Taiwan’s tourism operators and workers have warmly welcomed the recent decision to restore normal interactions and promote regular exchanges between people on both sides of the Strait.

Taiwan Revives Group Tours

According to HT, Taiwan’s Mainland Affairs Council said that Chinese tourists are now welcome to the island and urged Beijing to arrange details via existing cross-strait channels as soon as possible.

After a hiatus due to the global pandemic, residents from Fujian and Shanghai in mainland China can now join organised group tours to Taiwan. This aims to draw more visitors from mainland China, which will stimulate local economies and foster cultural exchange.

Also read: From Hot Springs To Coastal Waves Of Wonder, Explore Taiwan’s Treasures & Scenic Marvels

New Year, New Beginnings

The most significant holiday for Taiwan, the Spring Festival commences on New Year’s Eve (December 30 of the lunar calendar) to the fourth day of the first lunar month, typically falling between mid-January and mid-February on the Western calendar. During this time, families are seen cleaning their homes to welcome the new year, followed by a festive dinner featuring symbolic dishes like fish (abundance), dumplings (wealth), and turnip cakes (good luck).

Families also celebrate by setting off firecrackers to ward off the mythical beast Nian, known to fear loud noises and the colour red.
Red lanterns, spring couplets, and firecrackers are symbols of protection and good fortune.

Also read: From Spectacular New Year’s Eve to Ultimate Shopping Sprees, Discover The Magic Of Taiwan!

The Red Envelope Tradition

One of the most cherished traditions during the Spring Festival, loved by both children and adults, is the custom of giving red envelopes, also known as New Year’s Money or, more literally, “money for suppressing age.” In Chinese, the words for “age” and “evil spirits” are pronounced the same, so receiving these envelopes is believed to ward off bad luck and evil spirits. Over time, this practice has transformed into a way of offering blessings and good fortune to those who receive a red envelope.

How are you planning to celebrate the Chinese New Year?

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