A year after Ningxia's first group of tourists made the trip to Taiwan, the regional government said some 5,100 Ningxia residents have now traveled to the beautiful island.

Taiwan has become Asia's hottest tourist destination for Ningxia residents, beating out traditionally popular Southeast Asian destinations such as Singapore, Malaysia and Thailand.

The government said the tourists to the island were primarily middle-aged and elderly people. The travelers each spent 5,000 yuan ($776)?to 8,000 yuan ($1,242) on shopping in Taiwan.