Breathtaking Glowworm Secret Spots: Top 4 Glowworm-Watching Sites in Tainan

The transition between spring and summer, around April to May, is the peak season for glowworm sightings. Tainan boasts the richest variety of glowworm species in southern Taiwan, with 13 types including black-winged glowworms covering the hillsides. Their twinkling lights resemble stars in the night sky, creating a truly mesmerizing sight. Below are four of the best secret glowworm-watching spots in Tainan. If you’re planning a trip to Tainan soon, take advantage of the cool season to witness the beauty of these glowing insects.

1. Nansi Meiling

The 2018 Tainan Nansi Meiling Glowworm Season “Glowing Towards Happiness” will take place from April 21 to May 6, over three consecutive holiday weekends at the Wulong Trail in Wulong Temple, Meiling. In addition to the twinkling glowworms covering the hills, free guided tours will be offered at two fixed locations—Chushui Zi and Fu De Ci Tea Garden—every weekend to help visitors learn more about glowworms and local features.

Additionally, during the glowworm season, traffic control will be enforced on the Wulong Trail and Er Ceng Ping area in Wulong Temple. Free shuttle services will be available at four stations—“Meiling Information Station,” “Taishan Station,” “Mama Zhang’s Plum Chicken Station,” and “Er Ceng Ping Station”—to transport visitors to and from various parts of Meiling, making the glowworm experience more convenient.

【Info】
2018 Tainan Nansi Meiling Glowworm Season – Glowing Towards Happiness
Period: April 21 to May 6, 2018, over three consecutive holiday weekends
Location: Wulong Trail at Wulong Temple, Meiling
Recommended entry time: 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM

2. Baihe Nanliao

In addition to the Nansi Meiling Glowworm Season, the Nanliao Rural Culture Association in Tainan’s Baihe District also hosts the “2018 Nanliao Rural Glowworm Season.” Running from April 1 to May 31, the event features twinkling glowworms that captivate visitors. The Nanliao Rural Glowworm Season is divided into three sessions per day, with a daily limit of 350 participants. Those wishing to admire the beauty of fireflies should sign up quickly by phone.

【Info】
2018 Nanliao Rural Glowworm Season
Period: April 1 to May 31, 2018
Time: One session daily at 7:30 PM from Monday to Thursday; three sessions daily at 6:50 PM, 7:30 PM, and 8:00 PM from Friday to Sunday
Location: Nanliao Community Activity Center (Old Nanliao School)
Fee: NT$100
Phone: 06-6822977
※ Registration only by phone, daily limit of 350 participants

3. Chung Hsing University Xinhua Forest Farm

Spanning 378 hectares, Xinhua Forest Farm is the largest mahogany forest in Taiwan and the closest forest to the city. It boasts rich flora and fauna, a beautiful environment, and fresh air. Birds chirp and butterflies flutter here daily. With the arrival of spring and summer, visitors can explore the fascinating world of glowworms at night, making it the perfect time to experience the wonders of nighttime forest ecology.

【Info】
Xinhua Forest Farm Glowworm Season
Period: April 14 to May 20, 2018
Time: Every Wednesday, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday from 18:00–19:30
Location: Meet at the front square of the Student Practice Building, Xinhua Forest Farm, National Chung Hsing University
Fee: NT$200
Phone: 06-5900022
※ Registration is done online

4. Nanhua Guanshan

Known as a hidden gem for firefly watching in Tainan, Nanhua Xialiguan—historically known as Guanshanli in Nanhua District and famed for its brown sugar industry—is located in a remote area. Due to its inaccessibility, the natural environment remains largely undisturbed, helping to preserve the local firefly population. Every year during the peak season, these glowing insects fill the forests, creating magical specks of green light that are truly breathtaking.