In 2025, Taiwanese visits to mainland China reached approximately 3.24 million, marking a notable increase of nearly 17% compared to 2024. However, this figure is still 20% lower than the pre-pandemic levels recorded in 2019. The slow recovery has been attributed to various factors, including heightened cross-strait tensions and the ongoing travel restrictions imposed since the pandemic began. Taiwanese tourists have increasingly chosen alternative destinations, such as Japan and South Korea, reflecting a shift in travel preferences under the current geopolitical climate.

The decline in travel is being viewed through the lens of deteriorating relations between Taiwan and China, particularly following the election of Taiwanese President William Lai Ching-te in 2024. Lai's administration has adopted a firmer stance against Beijing, labeling it a foreign hostile force. This political rhetoric has contributed to a strained atmosphere, making potential travelers more cautious about visiting the mainland. Moreover, the ongoing ban on group tours to China since 2020 has further stymied the tourism recovery efforts.

The implications of these trends suggest that unless political relations improve and travel restrictions are eased, the tourism sector between Taiwan and mainland China may continue to struggle, unable to return to its previous levels. The impact of this situation extends beyond just travel statistics; it reflects the broader complexities of cross-strait interactions, which are influenced by political, economic, and social factors. The future of tourism in this region will likely remain contingent on the evolving dynamics between Taipei and Beijing.