Fireflies can still be admired in Alishan in winter; their glowing trails resemble shooting stars

▲ Fireflies can also be spotted in Alishan during winter. (Photo / Courtesy of the Alishan National Scenic Area Administration)

Tourism Center / Comprehensive Report

Most people think of firefly-lit nights as a phenomenon exclusive to spring and summer. In fact, even during the bleak autumn and winter seasons, there exists a group of tiny nocturnal creatures that love to dance through fog-shrouded forests. Alishan offers the chance to admire the luminous beauty of fireflies all year round. According to the Alishan National Scenic Area Administration, although fewer in number during winter, fireflies emit a continuous glow. As they emerge from the grass, their light trails stretch out like those of shooting stars.

The Greater Alishan area, with altitudes reaching up to 2,600 meters, features diverse natural landscapes including hills, high mountains, and streams, fostering a rich diversity of firefly species. The glow of fireflies can be admired across all four seasons here. In spring and summer, the large numbers of fireflies and their flickering lights create dazzling visual effects. In contrast, winter and autumn viewing highlights the steady glow of the insects as they slowly emerge from the grass, leaving behind light trails reminiscent of shooting stars.

Chen Han-chou, director of the Alishan Forest Recreation Area Administration, noted that nine species of fireflies have been recorded in Taiwan during autumn and winter, with eight of them found in the Alishan region. The main species for viewing include the mountain window firefly, sawtooth snow firefly, and sacred tree firefly, which appear along mountain roads and in forests at elevations around 1,000 meters. Their most active period spans from November to March of the following year.


▲ Sacred Tree Firefly. (Photo / Courtesy of the Alishan National Scenic Area Administration)

Chen pointed out that adult fireflies take flight after nightfall, emitting a yellow-green continuous glow. The optimal time for firefly viewing is from approximately 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m., with peak activity lasting about an hour. Therefore, visitors are advised to plan ahead. Currently, areas such as the Shanslin Boardwalk in Fenchihu, the Dingshizhuo Trail, the Dinging Community, the Guanghua Community, the Guanghua Natural Ecological Park, and the Lijia Maple Viewing Trail have relatively abundant firefly populations.

Visitors can seize the opportunity to experience the shimmering forest spirits of winter in Alishan. However, while enjoying the fireflies, please cherish and respect life—avoid capturing, taking them home, or damaging the natural environment, which could impact the survival of firefly populations. Additionally, due to the significant day-night temperature variation in the Alishan mountains, bring sufficient warm clothing if you plan to stay overnight.

% and ⒗ map of firefly habitats in Alishan area.

% and ⒗ recommended clothing and preparation tips for firefly viewing in Alishan. (Source: Alishan National Scenic Area Administration)