Free Firefly-Guided Tour at Zhinan Creek in Taipei City – Dance with Fireflies in the Woods

▲ April to May is the season when fireflies are most active. (Photo / Provided by the Tourism Bureau)

Reported by Tsai Wen-jun / Comprehensive Report

April to May is the best season for firefly watching. Want to wander through a night glittering with fireflies? Want to learn more about the secrets of these glowing insects? The Taipei City Department of Urban Development has specially launched a free firefly ecological guided tour, taking the public deep into Zhinan Creek in Wenshan District to admire the romantic “firefly” river together.

Huang Tien-chin, head of the Soil and Water Conservation Section at the Department of Urban Development, explained that fireflies have very high requirements for their living environment quality. They mostly inhabit mid-to-low altitude mountainous areas free from pesticides and light pollution, and are often regarded as indicator species of ecological health. Zhinan Creek in Wenshan District features a naturally pristine environment and crystal-clear water, making it an ideal habitat for fireflies. As summer approaches, one can see fireflies dancing all over the hills, and it’s also easy to spot native freshwater fish, shrimp, frogs, and other aquatic creatures in the creek.

▲ Zhinan Creek in Wenshan District is one of Taipei City’s firefly-watching spots. (Photo / Provided by the Taipei City Department of Urban Development)

To promote ecological conservation, the Department of Urban Development will hold a free ecological guided tour from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. on Saturday, April 25. Professional guides will lead the public to explore the secret habitat of fireflies and get to know the most primitive lives of these adorable creatures.

Registration for the firefly ecological guided tour opens from 10 a.m. on the 13th to 10 a.m. on the 15th. The number of registrants is limited to 120, from which 40 lucky participants will be selected. Registration is done online at http://0rz.tw/vbkoP. The public can register via the official registration website (http://0rz.tw/vbkoP) online.

The Taipei City Department of Urban Development also reminds the public that nighttime temperatures in the mountains are lower and mosquitoes are abundant. It is recommendedto wear light long-sleeved clothing and pants when watching fireflies, and avoid using perfume or excessive insect repellent, as this may keep fireflies away. Additionally, fireflies are sensitive to light. When using flashlights for illumination, remember to cover them with red cellophane, and do not use flash when taking photos to avoid damaging the fireflies with strong light. Keep noise levels low during the firefly-watching experience, and do not attempt to catch the fireflies.。

Transportation Information:

By car: Drive along Section 3 of Zhinan Road in Wenshan District, heading toward Caotun Bridge.
By public transport: Take one of the four bus routes—Taipei MRT Maokong Left Line (Zhinan Temple), Taipei MRT Maokong Left Line (Zoo), Brown 15, or Small 10—to Caotun Station, where you can get off to reach the site.