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

By MOOK Scenic Spots Editorial Department

Alishan National 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 admire them. The area is home to as many as 42 species of fireflies, accounting for about two-thirds of all species in Taiwan, and they can be seen across low to mid-to-high altitude regions, making it the ultimate treasure trove for firefly viewing.

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

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

Renshou Community
Dates: April – June?
Location: 71K on County Highway 166 (toward Shuishe Liao Station) 

Dates: April 5 – May 20
Location: Yuantan Natural Ecology Park
※ Daily limit of 300 people, minimum 30 people per group
 
RuiLi Community
Dates: April – June?
Location:
73.8K on County Highway 166 (Kezilin)
76.8K on County Highway 166 (Rainbow Eco Village) originally Ruolan Villa Firefly Viewing Area?
78.8K on County Highway 166 (toward Wild Ginger Flower Trail)
79K on County Highway 166 (Newly built parking lot firefly viewing area)

RuiFeng Community
Period: April to June? 

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