Firefly Culture Festival Offers Free Firefly Viewing & Local Delicacies

Text by MOOK Scenic Spots Editorial Team

As April and May arrive, it’s once again firefly season. In Ruifang District, New Taipei City, there are several spots where you can admire large swarms of fireflies. The Ruifang District Office, in collaboration with local neighborhood offices, will hold the “San Diego Ridge Firefly Culture Festival” starting at 2:30 p.m. on May 6, 2017 at the Sandiao Ridge Parking Lot. The event is completely free and will also feature a snack market, lucky draw prizes, guided tours, challenge games, photo opportunities with giveaways, band performances, distribution of thousands of lanterns, and local specialty foods. Visitors can bring their families and friends to stroll through grasslands and forests with lanterns in hand, searching for sparkling fireflies.

Sandiao Ridge is the most accessible flatland firefly viewing spot near the city. Located upstream of the Keelung River, its unpolluted environment—free from factories—nurtures a diverse ecosystem. From mid-April to mid-May each year, it’s firefly season, with thousands of fireflies dancing in the forest. The area features three famous waterfall groups—Hegu, Pipadong, and Motian—as well as surrounding peaks, creating an ideal habitat for fireflies. Visitors can drive or take the Taiwan Railways to reach the site without long, tiring journeys. The trails are gentle and safe, making it perfect for family outings. Follow local volunteer guides at a leisurely pace to learn about firefly habitats, and enjoy the beautiful sight of firefly rivers with visitors of all ages.

【Info】
Sandiao Ridge Firefly Culture Festival
Address: No. 146, Yuliao Road, Ruifang District (Sandiao Ridge Parking Lot)
Event Time: 2:30 p.m. on May 6 (Best firefly viewing hours are between 6:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.)
By Car: From Taipei, take National Freeway 1, then connect to Provincial Highway 62 and exit at Ruifang. Drive along Ruifang-Houyu Highway, pass through the Shifen Railway Station Cat Village, and continue straight to reach the venue (approximately 50 minutes by car)
Public Transport: Take the Taiwan Railways train to Sandiao Ridge Station, then walk to the venue