Taiwan's New Chinese Tourists

By Hannah Beech and Don Shapiro

They toured the Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall, snapped pictures at the Lungshan Temple and wandered through the National Palace Museum, with its imperial art treasures from Beijing's Forbidden City. The 13 tourists were, in fact, not much different from millions of others who visit Taiwan. But their trip last month was historic. They were the first citizens of mainland China allowed to visit Taiwan as tourists in more than 50 years.

The visit, made possible when Taiwan decided in November to open the way to mainland tourists (only a few, including those on business or affiliated with trade delegations, were allowed before), is being touted as a friendly attempt to improve cross-strait relations. But the going is slow. Taiwan is initially allowing only mainland tourists who are living or studying outside China. Still, the visit is the latest sign that tensions are easing. In a speech late last month, Beijing's top foreign policy czar indicated that he would have no problem if members of Taiwan's ruling party were to visit the mainland. Last week a senior official spoke of opening direct shipping and trade links between the two nations as soon as possible. At least one pioneering tourist is ready. After sampling a Taiwanese seafood banquet, he wants to import Taiwan fish to China.

--By Hannah Beech and Don Shapiro