LANZHOU-- Regular direct flights will be launched between the Chinese mainland's far western city of Lanzhou and Taipei next month to meet increasing market demand, local authorities said Tuesday.

The mainland-based Hainan Airlines will open a new direct air route between Taipei and Lanzhou, capital of Gansu province, on Dec 28, with a round-trip flight each week, a spokesman with the Gansu Airport Group said.

Far Eastern Air Transport based in Taiwan plans to launch two direct flights between Taipei and Lanzhou every week, but the maiden flight date is yet to be decided, the spokesman said.

It will be the first time for Zhongchuan Airport in Lanzhou to offer an air service between Lanzhou and Taipei since it was established in 1970, he said.

"The opening of regular flights will not only make it easier for people in Gansu to travel to Taiwan, but also the people in the neighboring provinces of Qinghai and Ningxia," he said.

Gansu is home to Dunhuang, which boasts the world renowned Mogao Grottoes and beautiful oases.