Text / MOOK Scenic Spots Family Travel Life Network Editorial Department
The Taipei City Government’s Department of Urban Development’s Geotechnical Engineering Office has organized a free eco-tour for firefly watching, which will kick off on May 3rd along Yangming Creek in Zhuzihhu, Beitou. On the first day of registration, spots sold out within seconds, with all 40 slots quickly filled. Huang Liyuan, head of the Geotechnical Engineering Office, stated that an additional session will be held on May 4th. Registration will be open from April 28th to April 30th, and will be conducted entirely online. Those who have registered for the May 3rd session are not allowed to sign up again, allowing even more people interested in ecological conservation to enjoy a high-quality eco-experience.
Calla lilies and fireflies at Zhuzihhu. (Image source / Taipei City Government’s Department of Urban Development’s Geotechnical Engineering Office, provided by Ms. Lu of Caifu Calla Lily Farm)
Huang Liyuan explained that Zhuzihhu features rich terraced wetland environments, surrounded by dense forests and pristine water quality, making it a diverse and thriving ecosystem. This eco-tour will be led by professional guides who will take participants on a walk along Yangming Creek to learn about Taiwan’s native freshwater fish and shrimp. With some luck, you might even spot the white-bellied rat snake foraging in the water. The guides will also teach participants how to identify different frog species by their calls. Among them is a rather elusive local frog known as the “Chinese tree frog.” Despite being a frog, its voice comes from the treetops—why is it called a frog, and why does it live in trees? Visitors will have to come to Zhuzihhu to find out for themselves.
The well-known calla lily fields at Dinghu. (Image source / Taipei City Government’s Department of Urban Development’s Geotechnical Engineering Office)
Beautiful purple-flowered butterfly-lilies at Dinghu. (Image source / Taipei City Government’s Department of Urban Development’s Geotechnical Engineering Office)
The scenic pathway along Yangming Creek. (Image source / Taipei City Government’s Department of Urban Development’s Geotechnical Engineering Office)
During the transition between spring and summer, as night falls over Zhuzihhu, the bright white calla lilies are gradually dotted with the glows of fireflies—one by one, they turn into a sea of tiny lights, shining alongside the stars in the night sky. Zhuzihhu is home to the Heochi firefly, as well as commonly seen species such as the red-chested black-winged firefly and yellow-chested black-winged firefly. Participants will use worksheets to gain a deeper understanding of fireflies and their habitats. In addition, astronomy experts will join visitors for stargazing, offering a chance to enjoy the most natural and magical night scene in Zhuzihhu before summer fully arrives. For registration details, please visit the official website of the Geotechnical Engineering Office.
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