Stars on the Grassland: Taiwan’s Top 10 Firefly-Watching Spots — Alishan’s Aowanda Mystical Realm Takes the Crown

Travel Center / Taipei Report

How long has it been since you last saw a firefly? The results of the Taiwan Top 10 Firefly-Watching Locations poll, jointly organized by the Xianglin Cultural and Educational Foundation, the Council of Agriculture’s Endemic Species Research Institute, and the National Museum of Natural Science in Taichung, were announced on the morning of the 11th. Conservation efforts across various regions have yielded remarkable results, with many people’s go-to spot for autumn leaves — “Nantou’s Aowanda National Forest Recreation Area” — emerging as the top choice for firefly viewing after a decade of dedicated habitat maintenance and conservation.


▲ With firefly season in full swing across Taiwan, the beauty of these “fire gold aunts” can only be truly appreciated up close in nature. (Photo / Eastern TV News)

The final rankings saw Nantou’s Aowanda Forest Recreation Area take first place, followed by Taichung’s Dongshi Forest Farm, Nantou’s Huisun Forest Farm, Hsinchu’s Neiwan area, Taichung’s Daxueshan Community, Miaoli’s Shengxing Railway Station, Taichung’s Baxianshan Forest Recreation Area, New Taipei City’s Wulai Ecological Farm, Pingtung’s Kenting Sheding Nature Park, and Nantou’s Phoenix Valley Bird Park. The poll received a total of 25,316 voters casting 97,983 votes.

The Xianglin Foundation noted that the winning Aowanda Forest Recreation Area is managed by Nantou’s Forest Bureau, with an average annual temperature of around 19°C and an elevation ranging from 1,100 to 2,600 meters. Pleasant all year round, the area is not only famous for its maple leaves but also provides an ideal environment for firefly growth and breeding. Taiwan is home to approximately 61 species of fireflies, and ecological surveys within Aowanda have identified 15 species, including mountain window fireflies, red-chested window fireflies, black-winged fireflies, red-chested black-winged fireflies, orange fireflies, striped fireflies, dark-winged fireflies, and snow fireflies.

Currently, black-winged fireflies can be seen fluttering throughout the Aowanda area, with tiny sparks of light scattered across the mountain forests and grasslands — a truly stunning sight. The park also offers guided tours with expert commentary. As night falls, the area becomes almost cut off from the rest of the world, with zero light pollution — creating the perfect natural habitat for firefly reproduction. In addition to the firefly-watching trail from the adjustment pool to the waterfall area, both the ecological pond and wider park grounds offer excellent viewing opportunities. The firefly season extends through late May.

The abundance of fireflies serves as a key indicator of local environmental health. According to Nantou’s Forest Bureau, since Aowanda’s accommodations can only host up to 82 guests, most outsiders are unaware that overnight stays are even possible within the park. Coupled with the fact that Aowanda lies within a “mid-elevation forest” area — devoid of residential areas or streetlights — it has naturally become one of the best habitats for fireflies to live and breed. While many assume Aowanda is only worth visiting in November and December for its maple foliage, it has gradually transformed over the past decade into a hidden gem for domestic firefly enthusiasts.

Ranked fifth, Daxueshan Community initiated ecological restoration efforts eight years ago. Locals went so far as to turn off all lights at night — even streetlamps remained completely dark — requiring residents to navigate their way home in the dark to avoid disrupting the fireflies’ habitat with artificial lighting.

The Daxueshan community formed an ecological conservation team, banned pesticide use, and even covered household windows with black paper to prevent indoor light from leaking out. After years of letting nature recover, the “fireflies that light the path” have returned, along with a wealth of rare insects and bird species. Today, there are over 150 species of butterflies and more than 30 types of fireflies, allowing visitors to once again experience the natural beauty of 40 or 50 years ago.