Chase the Glowing Fireflies: A Grand Collection of Firefly-Watching Events Across Taiwan

By MOOK Scenic Spots Family Travel Life Network, Reported by Chen Guanxin

 

As the cold winter fades away and spring blossoms arrive, not only do the tung flowers take the lead to herald the start of travel in Taiwan, but fireflies also become the stars of nighttime adventures, thrilling visitors. This year, in addition to selecting the top 10 firefly-watching spots across Taiwan, various regions are also hosting guided firefly tours. These events allow people to not only enjoy the magical glow of fireflies but also learn from expert guides, combining fun with knowledge. In New Taipei City, the firefly event will be held this weekend at the Yonglin Ecological Trail in Sanxia. Taichung’s Dongshi Forest Farm is offering special discounted “Starlight Tickets” before the end of the month. Tainan’s Meiling area is combining nighttime photography with its events, inviting photography experts on May 4 and 5 to teach techniques and equipment for capturing night scenes and fireflies, along with hands-on shooting guidance on-site.

In the northern region, both New Taipei City and Miaoli County are offering firefly-guided tours. On April 27, New Taipei City will explore the natural neon lights in the Yonglin Ecological Trail in Sanxia. On May 4, visitors will be led to the Quchi area in Xindian District to discover the fireworks of the forest. The Dawo Cultural and Ecological Association in Miaoli is running a “Flame Bug Eco-Knowledge Journey” from now until May 12, taking participants through Dawo’s rich natural landscapes and glowing nights.

 

In central Taiwan, the Taichung City Scenic Area Administration is holding the “2013 Dakeng Ecological Education Interpretation Event,” which includes not only firefly tours but also lectures on firefly ecology. Dongshi Forest Farm and Huisun Forest Farm are offering special “Starlight Tickets” and weekday discounts of 60%. In Nantou’s Sun Moon Lake area, including Taomi Community in Puli Township, Wudeng Village, Touchen Village, and Wucheng Village in Yuchi Township, as well as Tanan Village in Xinyi Township, various guided tours are being organized. The Wudeng Village event combines a two-day, one-night educational tour package, where visitors can not only watch fireflies but also go boating and explore the lake. Also located in Nantou, the Aowanda National Forest Recreation Area is offering “Glowing Tickets” from now until May 20. The activity runs from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM, with visitors gathering at the toll station at 6:00 PM. Park natural education center teachers or volunteer guides will lead the firefly viewing.

In the Yunlin-Tainan-Kaohsiung and Hualien regions, relevant activities include the free “Guoking - Firefly Season Huashan Firefly Interpretation Event” in Yunlin, where participants can admire the beautiful fireflies in Huashan Village. In Chiayi, the “2013 Alishan New Impression – Dancing with Fireflies and Trail Exploration” begins its guided tours at 6:30 PM, and the first 50 people to register online will receive gifts. Tainan’s iconic annual firefly event — the 2013 Meiling Firefly Season — combines main bus routes, hiking, and nighttime photography, making it easy for visitors to reach the location while enjoying nature and learning photography skills. In Hualien, the Guided Firefly Tour at Liyu Lake is divided into two sessions at 7:00 PM and 8:00 PM, and registration is done online.

 

While enjoying the romantic nighttime firefly displays, visitors must follow the guidelines provided by guides. Besides not catching fireflies, avoid loud conversations, and do not use flash when taking photos. Flashlights should be turned off or covered with colored cellophane as instructed by guides. For clothing, wear light, comfortable, light-colored long-sleeved shirts and pants, and avoid sandals or high heels.