The first helicopter trip over the Qiongzhou Strait debuts on Monday, connecting railway stations in Zhanjiang, Guangdong province, and Haikou, Hainan province. [Photo by Lang Shuchen/for chinadaily.com.cn]

The first trip by helicopter between Haikou station in Hainan province and Zhanjiang West station in Guangdong province was conducted on Monday, promising to offer a greatly shortened option for travelers crossing the Qiongzhou Strait.

The operation company said the new helicopter service takes about 35 minutes compared with a ferry trip that takes more than four hours across the strait.

After the trial period, the helicopter service may be extended to more boarding places in Zhanjiang, Guangdong province, depending on the demand.