Chang Hsien-Yao, the director of the party's policy research center, said the delegation aims to learn about the development of the Yangshan Deep-Water Port to establish a cooperative platform between the two cities.

He said that the People First Party, the smaller of the island's two main opposition parties, will first realize the direct shipping routes between the two cities despite facing political difficulties.

Zhang said the party will promote the proposal in the upcoming trade forum between Taiwan and China's mainland.

Zhang will lead the delegation to visit the city's key scenic areas and projects, including the Shanghai Museum, Yangshan Deep-Water Port, Donghai Bridge and Yuyuan Garden. They will visit Suzhou tomorrow and return to Taiwan on Thursday.