By MOOK Scenic Spots Editorial Team
Every spring and summer is the peak season for fireflies, when their glowing lights illuminate the forests, creating a terrestrial version of a starry galaxy – a truly romantic and breathtaking sight. The Greater Taichung area boasts many great spots for firefly-watching, including Dongshi Forest Farm, Baxianshan, and Dakeng Ecological Park, each offering an otherworldly experience.
Every April, fireflies abound at Dongshi Forest Farm (Photo/Dongshi Forest Farm Recreation Area)
1. Dongshi Forest Farm
Dongshi Forest Farm is a renowned firefly-watching destination in Taichung. Originally a afforestation and logging site, it has transformed into a popular recreational park. The area is rich in natural ecology, with different floral displays throughout the seasons, including cherry blossoms in spring, tung flowers in summer, maple leaves in autumn, and plum blossoms in winter. The annual firefly season in April is not to be missed.
Address: No. 6-1, Shilin St., Dongshi District, Taichung City
※ Free guided firefly tours are held at 7 PM and 8 PM every evening (meet at the Visitor Center)
Fireflies and flower fields at Dongshi Forest Farm (Photo provided by molly888666)
2. Baxianshan Forest Recreation Area
Baxianshan Forest Recreation Area is a warm temperate broadleaf forest, characterized by plants such as Masson pine, Taiwan five-needle pine, Calocedrus formosana, fir, and Fagaceae species. The park features three forest bathing trails, where fireflies can be seen darting through the woods on summer nights, creating a scene straight out of a fairy tale.
Address: No. 8, Sec. 1, Dongguan Rd., Heping District, Taichung City
3. Ruanpikeng Leisure Agriculture Area
Covering an area of 253 hectares, Ruanpikeng Leisure Agriculture Area focuses on fruit production and exudes a strong rural charm. The park also has a well-preserved natural firefly habitat, offering half-day tours and small package itineraries where visitors can learn about rural fruit ecology and enjoy firefly-watching.
Address: No. 58-1, Ruanpikeng, Qingfu Li, Dongshi District, Taichung City
(Photo/Ruanpikeng Leisure Agriculture Area)
4. Dakeng Ecological Park
Dakeng Ecological Park is the closest firefly-watching spot to downtown. Formerly the Dakeng Butterfly Garden and Firefly Conservation Area, the park is teeming with various insects and is known as the "back garden of Taichung." It’s a great place to experience the local natural environment, insects, and plants.
Address: No. 30, Sec. 2, Dongshan Rd., Beitun District, Taichung City
(Photo/Taichung City Government)
5. Qingtonglin Ecological Park
Qingtonglin Ecological Park (Photo/Taichung City Government)
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