After cherry blossom viewing, chase fireflies — Top 10 firefly-watching spots in Alishan

By MOOK Scenic Spots Editorial Team

Alishan Scenic Area's highly anticipated firefly season has officially begun. Every spring and summer, thousands of fireflies gather here, making it the best time to view them. There are as many as 42 species of fireflies in the area, accounting for about two-thirds of the total in Taiwan, found from low to mid-high altitude regions, making it the best treasure trove for firefly watching.

Many areas in Alishan offer nighttime firefly-watching tours and related travel programs, including six major communities such as Gongxing, Guanghua, and RuiLi, and 10 locations. During the day, you can stroll along trails to enjoy the sea of clouds, and at night, witness the dreamy sight of a midsummer firefly river. In addition, Alishan’s cherry blossoms are still in full bloom, with the flowering period lasting until the end of April.

Gongxing Community
Period: April 9 – April 27 (weekdays only)
Location: Bandit Mountain Ecological Park
Price: NT$150 per person (includes guided tour and portrait photography)
 
Guanghua Community
Period: April to June
Location: Firefly Viewing Trail

Renshou Community
Period: April to June?
Location: Km 71 on County Highway 166 (toward Shuishe Liao Station) 

Period: April 5 – May 20
Location: Yuantan Natural Ecology Park
※ Limited to 300 people per day, minimum 30 people per group
 
RuiLi Community
Period: April to June?
Location:
Km 73.8 on County Highway 166 (Kezilin)
Km 76.8 on County Highway 166 (Rainbow Eco Village) formerly Ruolan Villa Firefly Area?
Km 78.8 on County Highway 166 (toward Wild Ginger Flower Trail)
Km 79 on County Highway 166 (Newly built parking lot firefly area)

RuiFeng Community
Period: April to June? 

Lijia Community
Period: April 14, April 15?
Location: Maple Viewing Trail, Fengliu Cave Trail?
Price: NT$600 per person (includes dinner and guided tour)