Blessed with an exceptional ecological environment and home to as many as 31 recorded species of fireflies, the Nantou Firefly Festival—one of Taiwan’s most highly anticipated ecological events—officially begins on March 17, marking the transition from spring to summer. Acting on behalf of Nantou County Magistrate Hsu Shu-hua, Secretary-General Li Liang-chu led the county government’s Tourism Department and related teams in hosting a press conference to announce the launch of this annual celebration. The festival spans four major firefly viewing areas across seven townships, combining natural ecology with local industries.
During the festival, the four main viewing areas will offer a wide range of activities. The county government has also introduced a special “receipt registration lottery” promotion. From now until May 31, visitors who travel to Nantou for firefly viewing and stay at legally registered hotels or homestays can register their accommodation receipts online to enter a lucky draw. Prizes include iPhones and other electronic products, accommodation vouchers, and attraction tickets. Secretary-General Li warmly invites people from across Taiwan to visit Nantou, enjoy the fireflies, and support local tourism.
The press conference opened with a warm-up performance by the Shin Chuan Dance Troupe. Participants included Director Wang Chih-yi of the Sun Moon Lake National Scenic Area Administration, representatives from the Nantou Branch of the Forestry and Nature Conservation Agency (Aowanda National Forest Recreation Area), the Experimental Forest of National Taiwan University’s College of Bioresources and Agriculture, the Experimental Forest of National Chung Hsing University, Xinyi Township Office, Dalin Leisure Agriculture Area, Dashuiku Leisure Agriculture Area, Sun Link Sea Forest and Nature Resort, Sun Moon Lake Homestay Association, The Lalu Sun Moon Lake, and various organizations and tourism operators.
Each of the four firefly viewing areas offers unique features:
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Sun Moon Lake Area: Covers Taomi, Dongguang, Dalin, Shuishe, Toushe, Tannan, and Danda, combining firefly ecological tours with local cultural experiences.
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Zhushan–Lugu Area: At Sun Link Sea Forest and Nature Resort, fireflies can be seen year-round (February to November), with free guided tours available. Lugu Township Office, Phoenix Valley Bird Park, and Fenghuang Nature Education Area also offer diverse firefly-themed itineraries. Additionally, a hidden gem at Caizai Creek in Guangxing Village features not only abundant fireflies but also rich native aquatic life.
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Beigang River Area: Huisun Forest Station hosts “Huisun Night Firefly Viewing” events every Friday and Saturday from April 17 to May 9.
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Aowanda Area: Offers the “Stay Overnight in the Forest and Visit Night Elves” program, a two-day, one-night experience including DIY activities, guided firefly tours, and ecological education. Registration is available online through the Taiwan Forest Recreation website.
Secretary-General Li emphasized that the Nantou County Government continues to invest in ecological conservation and environmental maintenance. Through promoting organic agriculture, habitat restoration, reducing light pollution, and implementing eco-friendly policies, firefly populations in Nantou have steadily recovered, once again lighting up the forests at night.
She also noted that Nantou is actively developing its “nighttime economy.” By integrating the Firefly Festival with upcoming events such as the Starlight Festival and Hot Spring Festival, the county aims to create a deep-travel experience—“exploring nature by day, and enjoying starlight and firefly glow by night.”
However, while enjoying firefly viewing, visitors are urged to protect the ecosystem. Fireflies are sensitive environmental indicator species. Visitors should follow professional guides and strictly adhere to the “Three No’s of Firefly Viewing”: do not disturb, do not capture, and do not harm. These practices help preserve habitats and ensure the sustainability of this magical natural phenomenon.
For more details and registration information, please visit the official “2026 Nantou Firefly Festival” website or the Facebook fan page “Nantou Travel.”
