The mountains turn into "early summer Christmas trees" – New Taipei City unveils 22 firefly-viewing secret spots

Reported by You T-Ru / Taipei

From mid-April to mid-May, it’s the romantic season when fireflies dance through the mountains, turning them into "early summer Christmas trees." The New Taipei City Agriculture Bureau has provided 22 “firefly photo spots” along with transportation information, as well as three professional eco-guided tours, inviting everyone to learn about and care for fireflies.


▲ Fireflies in flight. (Photo / Provided by New Taipei City Tourism and Travel Bureau)

Deputy Director of the Agriculture Bureau, Liao Jung-ching, said that starting this weekend on April 20, and continuing on Saturday evenings for three consecutive weeks on April 27 and May 4, firefly eco-tours called “Firefly Auntie” will be held. On April 20, professional guides will lead participants in Pingxi Old Street to search for little forest lanterns; on April 27, they’ll explore the Sanxia Yuan Mountain Eco-Trail to find nature’s twinkling neon lights; and on May 4, they’ll head to Quzhu in Xindian District to seek out mountain fireworks. In the cool night air, the dreamy flickering lights of fireflies in the pristine wilderness resemble the search for an “early summer Christmas tree.”

Fireflies thrive in natural environments with clean air and water, abundant ground cover, and minimal light pollution. There are over 20 species of fireflies in New Taipei City, accounting for more than one-third of Taiwan’s total firefly species. Areas such as Sanxia, Tucheng, Xindian, Wulai, Pinglin, Shuangxi, Ruifang, Xizhi, and Pingxi all offer the chance to witness the romantic beauty of these "early summer Christmas trees." Photography enthusiasts can plan their firefly-viewing trips between mid-April and mid-May according to their schedules.

A special reminder: when taking photos during firefly viewing, do not use flash. Remember to turn off flashlights, stay safe, avoid making noise, and wear light, natural-colored long-sleeved clothing. Most importantly, do not attempt to catch fireflies. Beyond enjoying their beauty, it’s essential to protect fireflies and preserve their habitats so that we can continue to witness the wonder of "early summer Christmas trees" in the future.


▲ New Taipei City is home to over 20 species of fireflies, accounting for more than one-third of Taiwan’s total. (Photo / Provided by New Taipei City Tourism and Travel Bureau)

22 Firefly-Viewing Spots in New Taipei City
Sanxia: Yuan Mountain Firefly Trail, Manyueyuan Forest Recreation Area, Ankeng North District Road 104 and Shizitou Road, District Road 114 and District Road 109 (Lishan Shrine)
Tucheng: Tung Blossom Park and nearby firefly trails
Xindian: Galaxy Cave, Quzhu Wetland, HeMei Mountain Trail, Guangxing Wetland, and others
Shuangxi: Meizhu Trail, Peony to Thirteen Levels (Marten Mountain Trail), Ruifang, Liulang Road Sightseeing Trail
Xizhi: Xinshan Dream Lake Trail, 3 km mark on Xiding Road, Cuihu Lake