Chase the Glowing Fireflies: A Grand Collection of Firefly-Watching Events Across Taiwan

By MOOK Travel Life Network, Reported by Chen Guanxin

 

As the cold winter fades away and spring blossoms, while the tung flowers arrive first to herald the start of travel in Taiwan, fireflies also take center stage in nighttime tourism, thrilling visitors. This year, in addition to selecting Taiwan’s top 10 firefly-watching spots, various regions across the country are hosting guided firefly tours. Not only can visitors admire the sparkling fireflies, but they’ll also enjoy expert commentary to deepen their experience. In New Taipei City, the firefly event will be held this weekend at the Sanxia Yuanshan Ecological Trail. Taichung’s Dongshi Forest Farm is offering discounted “Starlight Tickets” before the end of the month. Tainan’s Meiling area is combining night photography with its events, inviting photography experts on May 4 and 5 to teach techniques and equipment for capturing night scenes and fireflies, followed by hands-on shooting guidance on-site.

In northern regions, firefly-guided events in New Taipei City and Miaoli County include New Taipei City’s April 27 exploration of the natural neon lights at Sanxia Yuanshan Ecological Trail, and May 4’s trip to the Quchi area in Xindian District to discover mountain fireworks. Miaoli’s Dawo Cultural and Ecological Association is offering a Flame Fly Eco-Knowledge Tour from now until May 12, taking participants through Dawo’s rich natural landscapes and glowing nights.

 

In central Taiwan, the “2013 Dakeng Eco-Education Interpretation Activity” hosted by the Taichung City Scenic Area Management Office not only features firefly tours but also includes lectures on firefly ecology. Dongshi Forest Farm and Huisun Forest Farm are offering Starlight Tickets and 60% off on weekdays, respectively. In Nantou’s Sun Moon Lake area—including Taomi Community in Puli Township, Wudeng Village, Touchou Village, and Wucheng Village in Yuchi Township, as well as Tanan Village in Xinyi Township—various interpretation and guided tours are being held. Wudeng Village’s event includes a 2-day, 1-night educational tour package that combines firefly watching with lake cruising and canoeing. Also in Nantou, Aowanda National Forest Recreation Area is offering a “Firefly Ticket” promotion from now until May 20, from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM. Visitors who purchase tickets can gather at the park’s toll station at 6:00 PM, where educators or volunteer guides from the park’s Nature Education Center will lead them on a firefly tour.

In the Yunlin-Tainan-Kaohsiung and Hualien regions, relevant activities include Yunlin’s free “Gukeng - Firefly Season Huashan Firefly Interpretation Event,” which offers visitors a chance to see the beautiful fireflies in Huashan Village. Chiayi’s “2013 Ali Mountain New Impression - Dancing with Fireflies and Trail Exploration” begins its guided tours at 6:30 PM, and the first 50 people to register in advance receive a gift. Tainan’s iconic annual firefly event—the 2013 Meiling Firefly Season—combines bus routes, hiking, and night photography, making it easy for visitors to reach the event, enjoy nature, and learn firefly photography skills. Hualien’s Liyu Pond firefly-guided tours are held in two time slots at 7:00 PM and 8:00 PM during the event, with registration via the internet.

 

While enjoying the romantic nighttime firefly displays, visitors must follow the guidelines provided by guides. Besides not catching fireflies, avoid loud conversations and using flash photography. Use flashlights only when permitted by guides, and turn them off or cover them with colored film when necessary. For firefly-watching attire, wear light, comfortable, light-colored long-sleeved shirts and pants, and avoid sandals or high heels.