The Shining Fireflies & Green Tunnel: A Hidden Gem for Firefly Watching Begins

Text by MOOK Scenic Spots / Reported by Christopher

Although April and May, during the transition between spring and summer, is the season when fireflies are most active, the Dafeng-Dafu Plain Forest Park in Guangfu Township, Hualien County, sees its firefly season from March to April each year, kicking off the island-wide firefly-watching season. Hualien is rich in ecological resources—places like Liyu Lake in Shoufeng Township and Fuyuan Butterfly Valley in Ruisui Township are important firefly-watching destinations. The low-altitude Dafeng-Dafu Park, developed at a low density, has maintained its environment in excellent condition, and in recent years has become an emerging hidden gem for firefly watching.

The Dafeng-Dafu Park and nine surrounding tribal and community groups organize firefly-watching events on their own. The event runs from March 18 to April 16 of 106 (2017), with online pre-registration and on-site payment. It's suitable for visitors of all ages, and local guides will take you to discover the secret spots of magical glowing lights. Situated at a low altitude, the Dafeng-Dafu Plain Forest Park has maintained a low-density development approach since its opening in 100 (2011), and its ecological resources have grown increasingly rich. During the day, you can often spot the Formosan pheasant, a rare endemic subspecies of bird in Taiwan, and enjoy riding along the country’s longest forest cycling trail.