"Our doctors do not accept hongbao (bribes). ... Many mainland customers said this shows that doctors are treating every one equally, and that gives a sense of security," he said.

Steve Zhang, an office worker in Chengdu, Sichuan province, said he would consider a medical trip to Taiwan if he had to wait for an appointment in Beijing or Shanghai.

"I believe mainland hospitals can provide qualified medical services nowadays, especially the big ones in Beijing and Shanghai. But if there were too many people waiting for limited doctors and hospital beds, going to Taiwan is a good choice," he said.

According to an online survey conducted in September by Qunaer.com, one of the mainland's leading tourism agencies, netizens chose Taiwan, following Hong Kong, as their second-favorite tourist destination outside the mainland.

The mainland is now Taiwan's largest tourist source region. Mainland tourists to Taiwan - traveling in groups or individually - reached a new high estimated at up to 1.8 million in 2011, surpassing 1.63 million in 2010. Taiwan media has estimated that 2 million mainlanders are expected to visit the island in 2012 as the authorities further loosen restrictions.