By the MOOK Scenic Spots Family Travel Life Network Editorial Team
The first 2014 camping and firefly-watching event in Namaxia, innovatively planned by Kaohsiung City’s Tourism Bureau in collaboration with the Namaxia District Office, kicked off with great fanfare over the weekend (April 12 and 13). Hundreds of tents and 300 visitors escaped the hustle and bustle to gather in the Namaxia tribal area, enjoying the early summer starry sky and witnessing tens of thousands of fireflies. Everyone was left amazed, creating beautiful and unforgettable memories during the lively and fun campfire party.
The 2014 Namaxia Camping Fun event is now underway. (Photo provided by Kaohsiung City Government Tourism Bureau)
Hsu Chuan-sheng, Director of Kaohsiung City’s Tourism Bureau, pointed out that there are about 60 species of fireflies in Taiwan, with over 20 found in Namaxia alone. The most common include seven species such as the black-winged firefly, mountain window firefly, and large black firefly. The district has five firefly-watching trails: Nansalu, Maya, Labiniya, Dakanuwa, and Maxinghalan, spanning a total of 10 kilometers. Through the post-Typhoon Morakot reconstruction project completed last year, entrance features and interpretive signs have been installed, offering visitors a brand-new exploration experience. At the same time, visitors are reminded to cherish the fireflies by not capturing them, ensuring their joyful survival.
The Tourism Bureau stated that camping event spots are limited. For those unable to join the camping activity, they are welcome to sign up for travel agency package tours. The Tourism Bureau has partnered with four travel agencies (Kaohsiung Kao-Chi, Carrefour, Wellcome, and China Youth Travel Service) to launch a “Lohas Firefly-Watching 2-Day Tour” valued at over NT$3,800. From now until April 27, a limited number of spots are available starting from just NT$2,599 per person for a journey to sleep under the stars and fireflies. The tour includes indigenous DIY activities such as leather carving, washing figs, calendar painting, and mushroom picking, as well as guided tribal tours led by local professionals.
During the event period, participants who sign up for the 2-day tour packages offered by the above travel agencies can also join the “Firefly-Watching Lucky Draw,” with a chance to win free accommodation vouchers sponsored by hotels such as Linsen, Huaxiang, Black Marlin, Mingui, Emperor, Jinyuan, and Huawang. For more information on the event, visit the Facebook page “2014 Namaxia Camping Fun” or the Kaohsiung City Government Tourism Bureau website.
● Further Reading:
KEELUNG MRT SNOOPY Painted Train: A Limited-Time Joyful Voyage

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