Cross-Strait connections flourish with app
During this year's National Day holiday, Liu Xiangdong, who heads a mobile application called Tailutong, was busy overseeing operations. He led his company in launching new products on the Tailutong app, such as the Kinmen Tour, Matsu Tour, and annual passes for the Mini Three Links, allowing people to easily register for trips online. The Tailutong app serves as a digital platform promoting cross-Strait exchanges.
Introduced as the first cross-Strait digital service platform on the Chinese mainland, the Tailutong app aimed to meet the diverse needs of Taiwan compatriots coming to Fujian, spanning clothing, food, lodging, transportation, postal services, and shopping, all delivered digitally.
In 2015, amidst the "Digital China" wave, Liu initiated the app's development, officially launching it in Pingtan by September 2017. Despite modest initial user numbers, the team pivoted towards diversifying services to cater to various demands, expanding beyond government services to cover finance, communication, transportation, and more.
The mainland announced efforts to help Fujian explore a new way to achieve cross-Strait integrated development and build a demonstration zone to support the goal in September 2023, further fueled Liu's commitment to enhancing online services. To bridge cross-Strait development effectively, Liu emphasized the importance of streamlining services for Taiwan compatriots.
Collaborating with express delivery firms on the Chinese mainland and Taiwan, the team established efficient cross-Strait delivery services, paralleling domestic standards. With the revival of the Mini Three Links, the app facilitated combined ticket services for convenient travel between Xiamen and Kinmen, between Fuzhou and Matsu, and more.
Moreover, the app connected with cross-Strait e-commerce platforms, launching "Happy Go" so that Taiwan customers can shop from the Chinese mainland. The app's evolution includes dedicated sections for travel, logistics, government affairs, business, employment, education, and online shopping to cater to the precise needs of Taiwan compatriots in Fujian.
With over 2.3 million downloads and 430,000 direct Taiwan users, the Tailutong app has become integral to many people from Taiwan. The team, including over 10 Taiwan employees, views the app as a witness to the integrated development of both sides of the Taiwan Strait.
As the app's Taiwan user base grows, so do the services provided, fostering mutual understanding and closeness between the people of both sides of the Taiwan Strait.