Firefly Watching / Signature Move: Mr. Candle Surrounded by Fireflies at Dongshi Forest Farm

Reported by Chen Zi-Yin, Taipei

Late spring to early summer is the season when fireflies glow, and it’s not hard to find photos of them taken by photography enthusiasts across the country. But one photo stands out from the rest — instead of just showing fireflies fluttering about, there’s a man doing a handstand right in the middle of them on the right side of the picture. That man is Mr. Candle, adding a touch of fun to this dreamy firefly season. The spot where Mr. Candle did his handstand surrounded by fireflies is actually Dongshi Forest Farm in Taichung. Netizens commented, “This is really amazing — he must have held that handstand completely still for over a minute to get this shot!”

▲ Dongshi Forest Farm is famous across Taiwan for its fireflies, and Mr. Candle also showed off his signature move among the glowing insects, taking a photo with the beautiful lights. (Photo / Dongshi Forest Farm Fan Page)

Dongshi Forest Farm in Taichung, renowned nationwide, is home to as many as nine species of fireflies, among which the black-winged firefly can number up to 200,000 during peak emergence periods — an impressive sight. The other eight species can be spotted from spring through autumn. The peak season arrives in April, marking Dongshi Forest Farm’s official “firefly season,” and it was during this time that Mr. Candle chose to visit the farm and do his handstand.

The presence of fireflies is an indicator of good water quality and a healthy environment in a region. The forest, whitened by tung blossom petals that fall like snow, presents Dongshi Forest Farm’s daytime charm. By night, as swarms of fireflies flutter about emitting their green glow, twinkling like little sprites around you, you’ll witness the most beautiful early summer scenery where nature remains unspoiled.


▲ Known as the “April Snow,” tung blossoms fall like scattered white snow. (Photo / Dongshi Forest Farm Fan Page)

▲ The snow-white tung blossoms and the glowing fireflies create a dreamlike scene.

This year’s firefly-watching season has seen fireflies appearing earlier and glowing longer than usual due to the relatively warm weather. As May arrives, the season is quietly drawing to a close. For those who haven’t yet had the chance to see the fireflies, don’t worry if you can’t pull off a handstand like Mr. Candle in a swarm of them. Just make sure to catch the last golden window for firefly viewing and head to Dongshi Forest Farm to witness this urban-dwindling ecological wonder.