You can get ready to see "stars on the grass"—Taiwan’s top 10 most popular firefly-watching spots

Travel Center / Comprehensive Report

April each year marks the transition from spring to summer and also the season when fireflies take flight. In recent years, thanks to heightened environmental awareness and various conservation efforts, there are more and more places in Taiwan where you can watch “fireflies” (as they’re affectionately called locally) dance in the night. There’s still some time before April—would you like to admire a ground shimmering with glowing lights? ETtoday EBC News Cloud has compiled a list of the most popular firefly-watching spots across Taiwan. Since these are “highly popular” destinations, it’s best to plan ahead if you want to go.


▲ Fireflies at Dongshi Forest Farm in previous years. (Photo / Facebook page of Dongshi Forest Farm)

Dongshi Forest Farm
When it comes to popular firefly-watching spots in Taiwan, Dongshi Forest Farm definitely deserves a spot on the list. During peak firefly season, their numbers can reach hundreds of thousands, turning the entire forest farm into a viewing area. The prime firefly season at Dongshi Forest Farm runs from early April to early May each year.


▲ Fireflies in Aowanda Forest Recreation Area. (Photo / Screenshot from the Forestry Bureau)

Aowanda Forest Recreation Area, Nantou
Thanks to its rich forest resources, Aowanda provides an ideal habitat for fireflies. There are currently 13 species of fireflies living and breeding here, with the “Black-winged Firefly” being the most numerous. Every April and May, the forest glows with the light of fireflies.

Huisun Forest Farm, Nantou
Huisun Forest Farm retains its pristine forest appearance and boasts an outstanding natural ecological environment. Starting from early April, patches of firefly light begin to appear. It’s said that the glowing stretch can extend two to three kilometers, and this year’s firefly spectacle is expected to last until the end of May.

Neiwan Area, Hsinchu
There are many firefly-viewing areas in Hsinchu, and the Neiwan area, famous for its Old Street, is also a great spot for firefly watching. From mid-April to the end of May, the Black-winged Firefly is most abundant, and from June to July, you can see the glow of the “Mountain Window Firefly.”

Wulai Ecological Farm, New Taipei City
Wulai Ecological Farm offers firefly sightings nearly all year round, but the season peaks from March to May. Covering an area of 30 hectares of pristine forest ecology, it is a popular firefly destination close to the city in northern Taiwan.


▲ The rich ecology of Guanghua Village in Qixiang Township, Chiayi County attracts campers to admire the “five-star” (fireflies). (Photo / Provided by Alishan National Scenic Area Administration)

Alishan
The firefly season in Alishan is around April to June, mainly featuring Black-winged Fireflies and Large Black Fireflies. There are also autumn and winter species such as Sacred Tree Fireflies and Giant Angle Snow Fireflies, making it one of the few places where you can see fireflies all year. Popular firefly spots include Ruifeng, Ruili, Fenchihu, and Guanghua, among which Guanghua Village has become a well-known eco-tourism village for firefly watching due to successful conservation efforts in recent years.


▲ Fireflies in Yangmingshan. (Photo / Screenshot from the official website of Taipei City’s Department of Urban Development)

Yangmingshan
The closest firefly-viewing spot to Taipei City is Yangmingshan. More specific locations include Tianxiyuan in Yangmingshan, Zhuzihu, and Datun Nature Park. Last year, the Department of Urban Development even launched a free streamside firefly ecological tour in Zhushihu at Yangmingshan Creek, where guides led participants along the creek to search for fireflies.

Daxueshan
After the Daxueshan community initiated ecological restoration efforts, the area is now home to over 30 species of fireflies, bringing back the beauty of the natural ecosystem from 40 or 50 years ago.

Shengxing Railway Station, Miaoli
Shengxing Railway Station is the highest point on Taiwan’s West Coast Railway. The surrounding forests are lush, and the mountain trails are rich with fireflies, especially the green bamboo tunnels which are typical firefly habitats. Species found here include the Black-winged Firefly, Yellow-breasted Black-winged Firefly, and Large Black-winged Firefly. The viewing season generally runs from mid-April to mid-May.

Kenting Seding Nature Park, Pingtung
Under pristine natural conditions, Kenting Seding Nature Park sees thousands of fireflies appear in the woods every spring holiday season. On days after rainfall, in addition to the “fireflies,” you might even spot beautiful “night sprites” that emit light while crawling on the ground.

When watching fireflies, remember to follow four key principles: “Do not catch fireflies,” “Do not enter their habitats,” “Do not use lights to disturb them,” and “Do not make loud noises.” Although firefly viewing is usually done at night, the New Taipei City Agriculture Bureau reminds people to avoid using flashlights or other lighting equipment. If necessary, cover the light source with red or dark-colored cellophane to minimize disturbance to the fireflies. Photography enthusiasts should also make sure to turn off their camera flashes—not only to avoid disturbing the fireflies but also to not affect others who are photographing.