Enjoy hydrangeas and spot fireflies – Free firefly tours in Yangmingshan start on the 30th

▲ Fireflies in Yangmingshan. (Photo / Courtesy of Taipei City Geotechnical Engineering Office website, the same below)

Reported by Chen Ruizhong / Compiled by HowToTrip

The Taipei City Government’s Department of Urban Development’s Geotechnical Engineering Office has been hosting free ecological guided tours to spot fireflies in the Wenshan Zhuannan Stream, drawing enthusiastic public participation. In response, the office will add an extra event on April 30th at Yangming Stream in Zhuzihu, Beitou, where a guide will lead participants along the stream in search of fireflies.

Currently, apart from being in the midst of the hydrangea season, Yangmingshan is also a prime time for firefly sightings. The Geotechnical Engineering Office stated that Yangming Stream, after undergoing near-natural engineering restoration, has in recent years become a popular firefly-watching spot within the national park; from April to May, visitors can often see swarms of fireflies dancing through the air. The area’s rich and diverse ecosystem also offers a chance to encounter protected species such as the Formosan gem-faced civet.

▲ Fields of hydrangeas in Yangmingshan.

The Geotechnical Engineering Office has scheduled a free ecological guided tour from 6:30 PM to 8:30 PM on April 30th. This tour will be led by professional guides to help the public explore and observe fireflies. Registration runs from 10:00 AM on April 25th to 10:00 AM on April 26th, and is conducted online (URL: http://0rz.tw/iwVmP), with a limit of 40 participants.

The Geotechnical Engineering Office advises that nighttime mountain temperatures are low and mosquitoes are abundant. It is recommended to wear light long-sleeved clothing and avoid using excessive mosquito repellent, as this may deter fireflies. Additionally, fireflies are sensitive to light—do not use flash when taking photos, and if using a flashlight, ensure it is covered with red cellophane to avoid harming them. Keep noise levels low during the tour, and under no circumstances should fireflies be captured.