The firefly population at Dongshi Forest Farm has peaked, with around 100,000 insects

▲Dongshi Forest Farm fireflies, illustrative image, not from this year. (Photo / Taken from Dongshi Forest Farm’s Facebook)

Travel Center / Comprehensive Report

Stars on the ground are shining bright！ According to an official Facebook post from Dongshi Forest Farm, the firefly population there has reached its peak, numbering about 100,000. As the next three days coincide with a long holiday, the farm advises visitors to avoid the weekend crowds and come during weekdays. Additionally, tung blossoms at Dongshi Forest Farm are also in full bloom.

As fireflies are highly sensitive to light, all lights within the farm are covered with red cellophane. Visitors are advised to cover their flashlights with red cellophane when viewing the fireflies.Dongshi Forest Farm also reminds visitors of four principles for firefly watching: do not catch fireflies, do not enter their habitats, do not use bright lights, and do not make loud noises.

[Dongshi Forest Farm Recreation Area Firefly Season – Frequently Asked Questions] (The following Q&A is taken from the official Dongshi Forest Farm website)

Q1: Can you see fireflies if it’s raining?
A1: As long as it’s not heavy rain during the main activity period of the fireflies (6:30 PM – 9:30 PM), or due to low temperatures caused by a frontal system, the fireflies will still come out to be active.

Q2: Will there be guided tours during the firefly season? Do I need to book? How much does it cost?
A2: Nighttime firefly-watching guided tours are free. There is one tour at 7 PM and another at 8 PM, both starting from the Visitor Service Center and led by a guide.

Q3: How should the red cellophane be used when viewing fireflies?
A3: Cover the area where the flashlight emits light with red cellophane to reduce disturbance to the fireflies.

Q4: Are there starlight tickets available this year for the firefly season? Do I need to reserve entry tickets?
A4: From April 1 to April 30, entry is discounted to NT$160 for weekdays (Monday to Thursday) after 3 PM—just purchase your ticket on-site.

Q5: Can I bring my pet dog into the park?
A5: Pets are welcome in the park, but not allowed in the lodging areas.

Q6: How do I get to Dongshi Forest Farm?
A6: You can take Fengyuan Bus No. 153F and get off at “Dongshi,” then transfer to Fengyuan Bus No. 209.

Q7: Can the accommodation vouchers purchased during the travel fair be used during the firefly season?
A7: They can be used with an additional fee, as the period from April 10 to May 10 during the firefly season is considered a holiday period.

Q8: Is there any place in the park where I can have a meal?
A8: Tian Mama Forest Café (light meals); Jialin Restaurant (set meals – reservations required: 04-25773688)

Q9: Will there be traffic control during the firefly season?
A9: Traffic control within the park will be implemented on holidays. Please follow the instructions of on-site traffic control personnel for parking.

Q10: Is there a fee for using barbecue grills during the firefly season?
A10: Starting April 1, 2015, if you bring your own food, please first register with the Da’an Camping Center, pay a usage fee of NT$300 per grill, and help maintain environmental cleanliness. Currently, a grill reservation service is provided for visitors who pre-order food, with no additional per-grill usage fee charged.