HAIKOU - A heavy fog has disrupted ferry services on the Qiongzhou Strait in south China, stranding passengers in over 10,000 cars in Haikou city, capital of Hainan province, local authorities said Tuesday.

As fog started to disperse Tuesday morning, ferry services resumed in two ports in Haikou, but local government advised travelers against heading to the ports before 3 pm, as avenues leading to them remained heavily congested.

The government has also asked the city's civil servants to join volunteers to provide essential services to stranded passengers.

Hainan, known for its tropical climate and clean air, is a popular destination for Chinese tourists during the Lunar New Year holiday.