By MOOK Scenic Spots Family Travel Life Network / Reported and compiled by Li Mei?
The 2013 Tainan Meilin Firefly Season will run from April 20 to May 12 on the Wulong Firefly Trail in Meilin. The public is invited to visit Tainan’s Meilin to admire the scenery, enjoy local food, and experience one of the most beautiful firefly evening events of spring. This year’s opening event will be held this Saturday, April 20, at 3:00 PM in the parking lot of Wulong Temple in Meilin. Highlights include a live performance by Golden Melody Award-winning singer Yan Yongneng, free limited tastings of mango ice cream, as well as hiking and firefly-viewing activities.
The 2013 Tainan Meilin Firefly Season kicks off this Saturday, inviting the public to enjoy firefly viewing and local food experiences. (Photo provided by Tainan City Government Tourism Bureau)
Every year from April to May is the ecological season when fireflies are most active in groups. Currently, over 13 species of fireflies have been discovered in the Meilin area, including the black-winged firefly, red-chested black-winged firefly, large dark firefly, dark firefly, mountain window firefly, red-chested window firefly, and Taiwanese window firefly. Among them, the black-winged firefly is the most admired. The Tainan Meilin Firefly Season is not just a tourism event but also the result of years of ecological conservation efforts by the government and local residents. It serves as an ideal platform for “low-carbon travel and eco-friendly practices.” The fireflies of Meilin are a precious ecological asset that requires the collective care of visitors. Please follow the three “don’ts” of firefly watching: do not catch them, do not use bright lights, and do not make loud noises. To allow the fireflies time to rest and breed, and to ensure visitor safety, it is recommended not to enter the mountains after 7:30 PM. Also, during the event period, driving or cycling up the mountain is strictly prohibited. Everyone’s cooperation is essential to preserve this rare ecological resource.
This year’s firefly season has three major highlights. The first is the integration with mainline bus services. The bus rapid transit system allows visitors to take the Green Main Line to Yujing and then transfer to the Green 22 bus directly to Erhcerping in Meilin. In addition to easing parking shortages, using public transportation also holds significant meaning for reducing carbon emissions, protecting the environment, and caring for the Earth.
The second highlight is the first-ever combination of hiking activities with firefly viewing. This year, hiking events will be held on Saturdays and Sundays during the season. Guided by instructors, visitors will hike along the Meifeng Ancient Trail to the tea garden firefly viewing area. Along the way, they can enjoy bird and plant ecology, take in views of Tainan city and the cloud waterfall, and watch the sunset. Arriving at the firefly area at dusk offers the perfect opportunity to see the glowing insects. If there’s still time after descending the mountain, visitors can head to local restaurants to try the unique flavor of plum chicken. This slow-paced, eco-friendly half-day trip is both relaxing and rewarding.
The third highlight is the integration with night photography. Capturing fireflies requires specialized equipment and skills—something most people don’t have to take those sparkling memories home. This year, from May 4–5, night photography experts will be invited to teach techniques and necessary gear for shooting night scenes and fireflies. There will also be hands-on shooting guidance on-site. The hope is that more beautiful photos of Meilin’s fireflies can be taken through this opportunity and treasured by firefly enthusiasts.
The second highlight is the first-ever combination of hiking activities with firefly viewing. This year, hiking events will be held on Saturdays and Sundays during the season. Guided by instructors, visitors will hike along the Meifeng Ancient Trail to the tea garden firefly viewing area. Along the way, they can enjoy bird and plant ecology, take in views of Tainan city and the cloud waterfall, and watch the sunset. Arriving at the firefly area at dusk offers the perfect opportunity to see the glowing insects. If there’s still time after descending the mountain, visitors can head to local restaurants to try the unique flavor of plum chicken. This slow-paced, eco-friendly half-day trip is both relaxing and rewarding.
The third highlight is the integration with night photography. Capturing fireflies requires specialized equipment and skills—something most people don’t have to take those sparkling memories home. This year, from May 4–5, night photography experts will be invited to teach techniques and necessary gear for shooting night scenes and fireflies. There will also be hands-on shooting guidance on-site. The hope is that more beautiful photos of Meilin’s fireflies can be taken through this opportunity and treasured by firefly enthusiasts.
Additionally, every Saturday and Sunday, there will be a series of activities including hiking on woodland trails, DIY plum essence soap making, and night photography meetups. Local restaurants and shops will offer various dining and agricultural product discounts during the event, with limited-edition souvenirs given for purchases over a certain amount. The Meilin Leisure Agriculture Area has also planned a series of rural experience packages. For detailed event information, please visit the official website at tour.tainan.gov.tw/.
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