By MOOK Scenic Spots Family Travel Life Network, Reported by Li Xinyi
Since its opening on April 21, the “2012 Tainan Meilin Firefly Watching Season” has drawn nearly 50,000 visitors to the firefly viewing areas. The season runs until May 13, and interested members of the public should make the most of the last weekend during Mother’s Day to witness the spectacular sight of swarms of fireflies lighting up the night. In Meilin, fireflies can usually be seen near the Shuichuzai viewing spot, but due to unstable weather this year, there is now a trend of fireflies concentrating higher up in the tea plantation areas.
Visitors interested in firefly watching in Tainan’s Meilin area should make the most of this final weekend. (Photo provided by Nansi Leisure Agriculture Promotion Association)
In light of the fact that many areas in the tea plantation region are pristine forests with longer travel distances, the tourism bureau is calling on the public to cooperate with control measures: wrap flashlight beams with red cellophane, keep voices low when entering the viewing areas, and photographers using DSLR cameras are advised to preset their camera modes before entering the mountain to avoid affecting others’ firefly viewing experience. Currently, at the Meilin Firefly Watching Season, it is relatively easier to observe the glowing of fireflies located in the mid-level and treetop areas of the woods, such as Luciola curtithorax, Luciola anceyi, Aquatica lateralis, and Aquatica ficta.
This year, the fireflies in Meilin are concentrated in the tea plantation area. (Photo provided by Hsu Chia-sui)
This year in Tainan, the Xingnan Bus Company has coordinated with the firefly event by operating special firefly shuttle buses on weekends on Route 7606 to Nansi, extending service all the way to the Meilin Tourist Service Center. The public is encouraged to make use of these services and choose suitable bus timings. Upon arriving at the visitor center, they can then transfer to the free shuttle bus that begins operation at 4 pm. For detailed bus schedules, please contact the Xingnan Bus service hotline at 06-265-3121.
Tainan Fun Guide: tour.tainan.gov.tw
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