Watch fireflies fluttering through the woods – A complete guide to the firefly-watching season in the Greater Taipei Area

▲ Starting in April, fireflies take flight through the forests, as the entire country enters the firefly-watching season. (Photo / Provided by the Tourism Bureau, Ministry of Transportation and Communications)

Tourism Center / Comprehensive Report

April is a month when the essence of spring is in full bloom. As flowers burst into color, nighttime also marks the time when fireflies dance among the trees. ETtoday Eastday Travel Cloud has compiled a list of firefly-watching events at various scenic spots across the Greater Taipei Area. Don’t miss this rare opportunity to step into the woods and admire the “azure river of fireflies” that seems to have descended from the heavens.

“Taipei City Qian Die Valley Firefly Season”:The closest firefly-watching spot to Taipei City is “Qian Die Valley Firefly Season” located in Shilin’s Wushuangxi. Nighttime firefly viewing is available from April 18 to May 25, with a daily limit of 140 visitors. Throughout the event, guides will provide commentary. For more details, visit theQian Die Valley Insect Ecology Farm official website.

Yangmingshan Tianxi Garden “Insect Symphony”:Another nearby firefly-watching location is within Yangmingshan’s Tianxi Garden. The event is held in three sessions on May 3, 4, and 10, with a limit of 55 participants per session. In addition to nighttime firefly viewing, there will also be guided ecological tours along the garden’s trails. Registration opens at 9 AM on April 11 on the Yangmingshan National Park official website.

“New Taipei City Ergeshan Tongxue Firefly Dance Season”:The firefly season at the Shiding Ergeshan Nature Center in New Taipei City runs from April 12 to May 10 this year. In addition to the highlight “Firefly Avenue,” there are also special sessions for different groups such as seniors, families with young children, and those interested in eco-photography. Registration is now open. For more information, visit theErgeshan Nature Center official websiteor call (02)2665-1166.

Wulai “Atayal Bala Tribe Village” Firefly Season:Originally an ecological farm, the Atayal Bala Tribe Village in Wulai begins its firefly-watching season from April 19 to May 18. In addition to seeing fireflies, you can experience Atayal culture, such as wearing traditional Atayal clothing, learning archery and hunting, making traps, and trying your hand at DIY bamboo tube rice. For details and registration, visit the“Atayal Bala Tribe Village” Facebook page.

Wulai “2014 Yunxian Amusement Park Firefly Season”:With its unpolluted natural environment and lush greenery, Yunxian Amusement Park offers the best firefly-watching experience from late April to early June. Visitors can also take the aerial cable car to enjoy the panoramic views of the mountains surrounding Wulai. The firefly season runs from April 25 to June 10. For activity details and registration, visit theYunxian Amusement Park official website.

Pingxi “Sky Lantern Blessings and Firefly Dances” Firefly Activity:This event will be held in two sessions on the evenings of April 30 and May 1, from 5:30 PM to 8:30 PM, at the Pingxi Elementary School Dongshi Branch (now transformed into the Pingxi Ecological Park), a hidden gem for firefly watching. Students and experts will serve as guides to lead visitors into the fireflies’ habitat. After the guided tour, sky lanterns will be released to make wishes for the protection of firefly habitats. Contact Pingxi Elementary School at (02)2495-1038 for inquiries.