Dots of firefly light form a romantic starry sea — Pingsi’s hidden gem “Firefly Explosion”

▲ Firefly explosion at Pingsi’s “Jingualiao Fish Fern Trail” (Photo / NetizenDada ChenProvided, same below. Please do not take unauthorized photos to avoid copyright infringement.)

Travel Center / Comprehensive Report

“With a light silk fan, I chase fireflies in flight” — Du Mu’s poetry evokes endless summer reveries of watching fireflies. Every year from April to June is Taiwan’s firefly season, when these little “fire gold aunts” can be spotted all over the island. New Taipei City alone is home to over 24 different species of fireflies. In addition to the55 recommended firefly-watching spots, the “Jingualiao Fish Fern Trail” in Pingsi has also been captured by netizens as a site of an explosive burst of green light, a sight so beautiful it’s hard to take it all in.

▲ % Record? Surprised surge at the place “next to the pigeon coop and chicken shed”? The lush greenery nearby…

Netizen Mr. Chen said that recently, while traveling about 2–3 kilometers along a branch road off the Pingxi Jingualiao Industrial Road, he found, due to the remote location and lack of light pollution, numerous fireflies in the grass by the trail — no need to search specially. The fireflies gathered and danced as if it were their own joyful party time, which he called the “Night Elves’ Party Time.”

▲ Map of the location of Pingsi’s “Jingualiao Fish Fern Trail.”

The public is reminded to remember the “Three Nos and One Without” principle when watching fireflies: no loud noise, no capturing, no shining lights directly on the fireflies. If carrying a flashlight, it should be covered with red cellophane to avoid disturbing the fireflies’ activities. Firefly habitats are often in low-visibility, light-pollution-free mountainous areas. It is advised that visitors go in groups and pay attention to personal safety to avoid accidents.