By MOOK Scenic Spots Family Travel Life Network, Reported by Chen Guanxin
April and October are the peak seasons for eco-tourism at Bitan and Heimei Mountain. From April to May, the area once attracted tens of thousands of visitors who took the metro up the mountain to follow the trails of fireflies. Starting in October, it’s the most active time for the black-veined tiger butterfly, also known as the red butterfly. In response, the Taiwan Natural Technology Society not only provides professional guides for on-site interpretation but will also host the “Red Butterflies Frolic in the Valley – Happy Bounce” event at 9:00 AM on October 20th at Starlight Meadow. The event includes a butterfly ecology art exhibition and an exploration of a hidden forest trail, and it is completely free of charge.
Every year starting in October, visitors to Bitan and Heimei Mountain can witness the graceful dance of red butterflies. (Photo provided by Taiwan Natural Technology Society)
Volunteers from the Taiwan Natural Technology Society have been planting host and nectar plants for red butterflies, such as Taiwan Cynanchum and Eupatorium tashiroi, on Heimei Mountain for the past two years. This has attracted many red butterflies to gather, creating the stunning “Red Butterfly Valley.” From October each year, the butterflies flutter lively across Heimei Mountain, making it an ecologically rich and popular destination that draws numerous domestic and international visitors.
The event will take place from 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM on October 20th. The butterfly ecology art exhibition portion will feature over 30 species of butterfly-rearing potted plants, as well as live butterfly larvae and pupae for public viewing. There will also be conservation exchange activities, where participants can appreciate nature through creative arts, new ecological art, and techniques for building butterfly valleys—helping the public understand ecological conservation in a relatable way. The forest exploration will guide participants into a hidden wild jungle route to discover the wonders of nature.
Participants can take the Xindian Line of the Taipei Metro to Xindian Station, then transfer to Green 6 Bus and get off at “Meizhicheng” Station. From there, walk up Yongye Road Lane 81 in the community, and it takes about five minutes to reach the Starlight Meadow on Heimei Mountain. The event is free, but participants need to register by providing the number of attendees, the name and mobile number of the group leader, and send the information to the email: twnt@nt.org.tw.
● Read more: Reviving Liao Tianding’s Heroic Deeds – Tamsui Mobile Theater Opens on October 20th
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