Having weathered the disaster, the Lijia Tribe has regained smiles with its “starry skies above and firefly rivers below.”

▲ The unique “starry skies above and firefly rivers below” scenery of the Lijia Tribe in Alishan. (Photo / Courtesy ofThe Blue Tribe of Alishan – Lijia Fan Page)

Tourism Center / Comprehensive Report

“A crisis can also be an opportunity.” Severely affected by Typhoon Morakot (also known as the 88 Flood), the Lijia Tribe in Alishan spent 4 years and 7 months in reconstruction. During this time, residents and the official Reconstruction Committee discovered that the area’s natural beauty—its star-filled night skies and gatherings of fireflies—was a precious tourism resource. As a result, they began training stargazing guides to promote the tribe’s charm, hoping to transform Lijia into a“starry skies above and firefly rivers below”beautiful world.

▲ In spring and summer, thousands of fireflies can be seen dancing in the Lijia Tribe after nightfall. (Photo / Courtesy of The Blue Tribe of Alishan – Lijia Fan Page)

Lijia Village is the most remote Tsou tribe settlement in the Alishan area. During the day, under the sunlight, the mountains are lush and the waters blue. At night, surrounded by high mountains with almost no light pollution, the skies are crystal clear and dotted with stars, earning it the nickname “the Blue Tribe.” In spring and summer, large numbers of fireflies appear in the mountains, creating a stunning scene of twinkling stars above and glowing fireflies below.

Chen Chen-chuan, CEO of the Executive Yuan Reconstruction Council, said: “An unexpected highlight during our post-disaster visits was this beautiful starry sky.” As a result, resources from the Taipei Astronomical Museum were introduced, bringing telescopes and astronomy courses to develop Lijia as an astronomical observation destination. To date, 24 astronomy ambassadors have been trained, and the site has welcomed around 2,000 visitors, including bloggers and stargazing groups.

▲ % and Zilanmuqibenlajiaotuokedipingshaoxing, (di? huiguo de muluketunxian shi qipaoluobing yu guti you tebie xingfu de dadian (Photo / Courtesy of The Blue Tribe of Alishan – Lijia Fan Page)

The Reconstruction Council also noted that the giant stone slabs naturally crafted by nature and the Limei Trail, built brick by brick by local residents, are must-visit attractions. Beyond its exceptional natural resources, what makes Lijia truly beautiful is its simple and warm-hearted community. Visitors here should definitely chat and interact with the tribal residents to experience their hospitality.

【Lijia Tribe】

Address: Lijia Village, Alishan Township, Chiayi County