Government officials and scholars present at the launching ceremony. [Photo/taizhou.com.cn]

Taizhou's close ties with Taiwan in ancient times have been extended to the modern era, according to Zhang Weiqin, director of the publicity department of the Jiaojiang district of Taizhou.

According to Zhang, Taizhou was the first portal city in Zhejiang and the second on the mainland to open direct sea routes to Taiwan. Wei Wen's expedition reflected Taizhou's early prowess in navigation and manufacturing.

The cultural event has become a name card for Taizhou thanks to the great efforts of local authorities. In Taizhou, a research institute focusing on Wei Wen's voyage to Taiwan has been inaugurated and a park themed on the event is scheduled to be established along with a series of commemorating activities.

Pan Guoping, director of the Zhejiang Dongwu Wei Wen's Voyage to Taiwan Foundation, called for more research into the event, revealing that a film featuring the historical event is being planned.