TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — The Taiwan Hi Marine Highway was inaugurated on Saturday (Aug. 10) in Pingtung County, three years after construction began. 

The combined marine transport, leisure, and recreation center, located in Xinyuan Township, is the first in Pingtung to integrate various services, including ferry terminals and bus transfers, CNA reported. The new facilities cover an area of 4.3 hectares and were constructed for NT$431.1 million (US$13.28 million). 

Xinyuan Wharf Park was part of the project and opened earlier this year.

The center also features a plaza and a sea-viewing platform. It incorporates smart and user-friendly waiting areas that are spacious and well-lit.

Pingtung County Magistrate Chou Chun-mi (周春米) thanked the Cabinet and the Ministry of Transportation and Communications for supporting the park project. Chou said it alleviates congestion at the Donggang ferry terminal and promotes maritime development in the neighboring areas.

Vice President Hsiao Bi-khim (蕭美琴) said that in recent years, joint efforts by the local and central governments have created attractive and accessible destinations that help distribute tourist traffic. The new park has transformed Yanpu Fishing Port, and the county government has implemented public transportation and crowd management, Hsiao added.