Four Must-Do Itineraries at Miaoli’s Firefly Party Make Stargazing Even More Fun!

Text by MOOK Scenic Spots Family Travel Network Editorial Department
 
Renowned for its beautiful mountains and waters, Miaoli not only boasts rich and stunning natural scenery but also many unpolluted environments that nurture precious ecological resources—perfect for a deep family experience. During the transition from spring to summer, a firefly eco-tour is an absolute must.
 

● Dawo Mountain

Located in the mountainous area of Dawo in Miaoli’s Dahu Township, the main residential villages in this hilly region still maintain a rather pristine landscape. When the firefly viewing season arrives, around 100,000 fireflies often gather simultaneously in the Dawo area—a spectacular sight that truly lives up to the description “as far as the eye can see!”

The firefly viewing areas on Dawo Mountain are mainly concentrated near Wangzhongye Temple. The firefly season generally coincides with the blooming period of tung flowers. Visitors can enjoy the flowers by day and the glowing fireflies by night. Nearby attractions such as streams, cliffs, ancient irrigation channels, and old vines offer a rustic natural experience worth exploring.
 
● Nanzhuang

Nanzhuang is one of the favorite tourist spots for many people. Its charming old street, fine dining and homestays, and unspoiled mountain scenery all leave a deep impression. One of Nanzhuang’s unique features is its well-preserved natural environment. Coupled with fish conservation efforts in the Penglai Stream, it has become an ideal habitat for fireflies—making it a very popular firefly-watching destination.

Also around April and May, in the higher-altitude mountainous regions of Nanzhuang—especially in the more humid, grassy areas—you’ll find gatherings of a larger number of fireflies. Consider contacting nearby homestays or farms, as many operators launch themed package tours during the firefly season. These packages cover meals, accommodation, and guided tours, allowing you to safely visit the best spots for firefly viewing.

● Sanyi

The Sanyi area in Miaoli is a well-known tourist destination. With its woodcarving crafts, Shengxing Railway Station, Longteng Broken Bridge, April Snow Trail, Charcoal Carrying Ancient Trail, and Firewood Carrying Ancient Trail, along with the vibrant Hakka culture, it attracts large crowds of visitors every holiday. This season, you can also enjoy the firefly ecology!

During the peak season of firefly activity in the Sanyi mountains, you can spot fireflies along the roadside on the way from Shengxing Station to Shengheng Temple at night—provided there’s no light pollution. Be sure to turn off your headlights when stopping to view them. Spend a night in this Hakka village of Sanyi, dancing with the fireflies, and enjoy a feast of culture and ecology.