Given the long history of tensions between Taiwan and China and the current political climate, many people are wondering whether it is possible to travel from Taiwan to China. The answer is a complicated one, as the political relationship between the two countries is complex, and travel restrictions are fluid.
In 1949, following the Chinese Civil War, the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) took control of mainland China, while the Republic of China (ROC) government moved to the island of Taiwan. The ROC government continued to consider itself the rightful government of China, and this view is still supported by Taiwan. On the other hand, the CCP does not recognize the ROC, and claims Taiwan as an inalienable part of China.
This divergence in views has resulted in a complex political relationship between the two countries, complicated further by the US-China rivalry. The US and other countries have historically recognized the ROC as the legitimate government of China, while formally recognizing the People’s Republic of China (PRC) as the de facto government of mainland China.
The situation is further complicated by the fact that both China and Taiwan issue their own visas and passports, and there is no direct travel between the two countries. In practice, this means that travel from Taiwan to mainland China requires travelers to first obtain a visa for China from a Chinese embassy or consulate outside of Taiwan.
Despite the restrictions, there are some ways for travelers to pass from Taiwan to China. For example, some travel agencies in Taiwan offer “transit” packages that involve a flight from Taiwan to a third country, followed by a flight from that country to China. Similarly, travelers can take a ferry from Taiwan to a third country, and then a flight from there to mainland China.
Of course, the reality is that even if travelers can find a way to physically cross the Strait of Taiwan, they may still be denied entry into China. China and Taiwan have strict restrictions on who can enter the two countries, and travelers may be denied entry based on their citizenship, place of origin, or even political views.
In sum, while it is theoretically possible to travel from Taiwan to mainland China, in practice the process is complicated and unpredictable. Travelers should be aware of the restrictions and risks involved, and should make sure that they have all of the necessary documents and visas before attempting to cross the Taiwan Strait.