Miraculous Beauty Certified by Mazu: Dreamy Bioluminescence Appears Along Changhua’s Wanggong Coastline

▲ The dreamy sea fireflies resemble an underwater galaxy — it’s hard for outsiders to imagine that Changhua’s Wanggong, known for its pearl oysters, harbors such breathtaking scenery. (Photo/King of Oysters Ocean Ice Art MuseumProvided,Mudu Yang,Huo Hua LuoPhotography, the same below)

Reporter Li Zi Yi / Interview & Report

Residents of Changhua’s Wanggong are combining the romantic “sea fireflies” with local faith to promote tourism. These underwater creatures emit a green glow when gently stirred in the water and have been named “Fuhai Mazu·Yingluo Radiance” with the blessing of the local Fuhai Temple Mazu, adding a touch of local culture. The goal is for visitors not only to appreciate Wanggong’s beauty but also to gain deeper insight into its faith and culture.

Locals unexpectedly discovered a phenomenon in Wanggong’s waters similar to Taiwan’s famous Blue Tears — the water glows when touched, resembling an underwater galaxy. Known as sea fireflies, they are more numerous during hot weather, making summer the best time to see them. This unique natural wonder has also created new nighttime tourism opportunities for Wanggong.

▲ Changhua’s Wanggong was previously famed for its stunning sunsets and delicious pearl oysters. Now, it is also promoting the dreamy sea fireflies “Fuhai Mazu·Yingluo Radiance” alongside local folk beliefs.

Local entrepreneur Zhuang Beihao shared that over 20 years ago, his father fell seriously ill, his mother was exhausted, and the family was struggling financially. They formed a bond with Fuhai Temple’s Mazu and were blessed with gradual improvement in their situation. As a result, he holds a special reverence for Mazu. When he stumbled upon the “sea fireflies” (similar to the glowing organisms seen in Matsu’s Blue Tears), he wanted to share this wonder with more visitors. With the Mazu’s blessing, he named this phenomenon “Fuhai Mazu·Yingluo Radiance,” hoping to promote both the natural beauty and the important local faith of Fuhai Mazu.

▲ The sea fireflies, similar to ostracods, are also called “Fuhai Mazu·Yingluo Radiance” or “underwater galaxy.” Professional photographers recommend using ISO 51200 or higher along with an F1.4 wide aperture and long exposure to capture their faint glow.

A tourism team promoting “Fuhai Mazu·Yingluo Radiance” has mainly been formed by locals, including Zhuang Beihao, who runs a composite ice shop, and oyster farmers. Together, they take tourists out at night to view the glow, planning a series of eco-tours while minimizing disturbance to the natural environment. Zhuang Beihao has also partnered with Fuhai Temple to allow visitors to stay in the traditionally simple communal sleeping quarters (xiangfang) usually reserved for pilgrimage groups. For those unaccustomed to xiangfang, nearby homestays are also available.

Aside from safety concerns that discourage independent visits, another major reason is that the glow is nearly invisible from the shore. Only experienced local oyster farmers, navigating their oyster boats about 15–20 minutes offshore, can reveal the mysterious and beautiful sea fireflies known as “Fuhai Mazu·Yingluo Radiance.”