Dreamy glowing lights as beautiful as a fairyland – Hualien’s top four firefly-watching spots

By MOOK Scenic Spots Editorial Team

Every year during the transition from spring to summer, it’s the season when fireflies are most abundant. You can search for those magical twinkling lights in the dark forests. Hualien, blessed with rich natural resources, welcomes the firefly season each year. Places like Danongdafu, Liyu Pond, and Mayuan Tribe are all great spots to see fireflies flitting through the woods – a truly spectacular and enchanting sight.

1. Danongdafu Plain Forest Park
Danongdafu Forest Park boasts rich ecological resources. Unlike other areas, March and April each year mark the firefly season here, kicking off Taiwan’s entire firefly-watching period. The low-altitude Danongdafu area, developed at a low density, has maintained excellent environmental conditions, and in recent years has become an emerging secret spot for firefly viewing.
 
2018 Danongdafu Firefly Watching Fun
Event Dates: March 17 to April 15, 2018
Event Location: Danongdafu Plain Forest Park Service Center and North Loop Trail
Event Times: First session 18:30–19:30, second session 19:30–20:30, third session 20:30–21:30
Capacity: 500 people on weekdays / 800 people on holidays, first-come, first-served until full.
Admission: NT$198 per person (free for children under 2), local residents pay NT$160 (with valid ID for Hualien residents and people with disabilities). The fee includes guided tours and community souvenirs, with souvenir types subject to daily availability.
※ Registration begins at 9:00 on March 1. Please sign up online in advance.

2. Liyu Pond
Liyu Pond features abundant ground cover and multi-layered forest vegetation, providing wildlife with secluded habitats and ample food. It is also one of Hualien’s top firefly-watching destinations. From around April to June each year is the firefly season. In addition to enjoying the beautiful scenery of Liyu Pond during the day, when large numbers of fireflies appear at night, it’s as if angels are lighting up the entire valley landscape.

3. Mayuan Tribe
Mayuan Tribe is one of Hualien’s lesser-known secret spots for firefly watching. Starting every April, large numbers of fireflies begin to flit through the trees at night, creating a spectacular and beautiful scene. Nestled deep in the mountainous area of Ruisui Township, the Mayuan Tribe benefits from clean, less-polluted water sources – which is why fireflies love to inhabit the area.

4. Fuyuan National Forest Recreation Area