Hundreds of residents of Hong Kong, the Chinese-ruled territory rocked by street protests demanding free elections in 2014, have flown to Taiwan for Saturday's elections to see free-wheeling democracy in action.
Politicians, students and "Umbrella Soldiers"— activists who used umbrellas to fend off tear gas canisters during 79 days of street demonstrations in the former British colony— signed up for tours to meet candidates, visit polling stations and join boisterous election rallies across Taiwan.
"You can watch and learn from Taiwan's political culture ... and witness the elections with your own eyes," Hong Kong-based Hong Thai Travel Services wrote in a commercial to lure takers for a sold-out four-day tour.