Firefly season is approaching！ Alishan unveils four most beautiful firefly trails

Reported by You Tzu-ju / Taipei

Firefly season is approaching！ April is the peak season for firefly watching. The Alishan National Scenic Area Administration, Tourism Bureau, Ministry of Transportation and Communications, has specially scheduled four sessions of the “Firefly Stroll Trail & Firefly Watching Tour” on April 19, 26 and May 3, 10, 2014, inviting the public to come together for a night-time encounter with fireflies. The event features popular firefly gathering spots such as Guanghua Dingbanzi Recreation Area, Yuantan Ecological Park, Fengshan, and Ruili, along with guided walks along renowned trails including the “Youth Ridge Trail,” “Wild Ginger Flower Trail,” “Fengshan Viewpoint,” and “Yaums Trail,” offering a firsthand experience of the beauty of Alishan.


▲ April marks the peak season for firefly watching. (Photo / Provided by the Tourism Bureau)

This year’s Alishan firefly tour specially appoints “Firefly Di” as the spokesperson for the event. “Firefly Di” is a firefly that grew up in an indigenous tribe, sharing their innocence, simplicity, and deep love and reverence for nature. Full of curiosity, he loves playing with forest animals and exploring the unknown. His proudest feature is his glowing tail, which makes him feel unique—transforming into the twinkling stars people seek in the dark. This year, he will accompany everyone throughout the firefly-watching and exploration journey.

The Alishan National Scenic Area Administration, Tourism Bureau, Ministry of Transportation and Communications, stated that this year’s program integrates the Alishan Forest Railway, local homestays, and related businesses to create package tours. The aim is to encourage visitors to use public transportation to reach the area. With the forest railway now back in service to Fenchihu, visitors are encouraged to take the forest train up the mountain, explore the scenic spots at each station, and join expert-guided night tours to admire fireflies while learning about Alishan’s efforts and progress in natural ecological conservation.


▲ This year’s Alishan firefly tour specially appoints “Firefly Di” as the spokesperson for the event. (Photo / Provided by the Tourism Bureau)

To accommodate the weekend holiday schedule, the four firefly-watching sessions and four trail exploration events from April to June are all scheduled on Saturdays, facilitating two-day, one-night trip planning. In addition to enjoying the beautiful natural scenery, the first 100 registrants will also receive an exclusive souvenir for this event.