The annual firefly viewing season has arrived! Taiwan is home to more than 50 species of fireflies, with 31 species found in Nantou. Although fireflies can be seen glowing year-round in Taiwan, their species vary with the seasons, creating unique landscapes. However, due to factors such as light pollution and environmental destruction, large swarms of fireflies are difficult to spot outside of the April to June period. The most common species in Taiwan include the Black-winged Firefly, Large-end Black Firefly, Mountain Window Firefly, Yellow-edged Firefly, and Sawtooth Snow Firefly.
Nantou County is recognized as the largest firefly viewing destination in Taiwan. In recent years, ecological conservation efforts have successfully revived firefly populations across major viewing sites. The 2025 Nantou Firefly Season officially launched on March 26, with Deputy Magistrate Wang Ruide announcing a series of themed events across four main firefly viewing areas: Sun Moon Lake, Zhushan-Lugu, Beigang Creek, and Aowanda. These areas span seven townships in Nantou, and the county government has coordinated with local businesses and relevant organizations to plan exclusive activities. Visitors are invited to experience the glowing ecological wonder while enjoying fine tea and local delicacies, embarking on a mesmerizing journey of nature.
Committed to sustainable tourism, Nantou County Government views fireflies as an important ecological indicator. In addition to the Firefly Season, the county continues to promote other nighttime activities, such as the Stargazing Festival and Hot Spring Festival, to encourage overnight stays and boost the tourism economy. The four major firefly viewing areas will host a variety of activities from early April to mid-May.
The Sun Moon Lake region covers areas including Taomi, Dongguang, Dalin, Shuishe, Toushe, Tannan, and Danda. Here, visitors can participate in guided firefly tours and local cultural experiences tailored to their preferences. In the Zhushan-Lugu area, Shanlinxi Forest Eco Park offers firefly sightings from February to November, with free guided tours to immerse visitors in the magic of fireflies and the romance of the glowing forest. Various organizations, including Lugu Township Office, Fenghuang Valley Bird Park, Phoenix Nature Education Park, and Forest Bon, have planned exciting, exclusive firefly-viewing events. Additionally, hotels and homestays in Xitou are offering special accommodation discounts to enhance the firefly season experience.
A hidden gem for firefly watching, the Caizai Creek Ecological Park in Guangxing Village, Lugu, can be accessed via a 300-meter forest trail from County Road 151. This newly popular site boasts a well-preserved ecosystem with thriving populations of native fish and shrimp, along with scenic plantings of camellias, osmanthus, willows, and cherry blossoms. It provides a peaceful alternative to avoid traffic congestion while enjoying the spectacle of fireflies.
At the Aowanda viewing area, guided tours and ecological activities, including a two-day-one-night “Stay in the Forest, Meet the Night Elves” experience, are available through Taiwan Forest Recreation Network. In the Beigang Creek area, Huisun Forest Recreation Area will host the “Huisun Firefly Night” event every Friday and Saturday from April 21 to May 13. Interested participants can check the Huisun Forest website for details.
In addition to these activities, Nantou County Government will host a grand themed event, “A Night Visit to the Firefly River,” on April 12 at Qilintan Yuxing Square in Lugu. The event will feature performances by the Phoenix Elementary School Chinese Orchestra, Guangxing Elementary School String Orchestra, Nantou Goodwill Ambassador Gao Manrong, and ventriloquist acts, alongside free guided firefly tours, a starlit tea ceremony, and a local market showcasing specialty products, souvenirs, and snacks. Visitors can also participate in social media check-ins to receive firefly lanterns and market vouchers. This spectacular event invites guests nationwide to explore the wonders of Nantou and support local tourism.
Tourism Director Chen Zhixian reminds visitors to follow professional guides when observing fireflies and adhere to the “Three No’s” principle: No Disturbing, No Capturing, No Harming. This ensures the protection of firefly habitats while allowing everyone to enjoy a magical summer night. For event updates, follow the “Fun in Nantou” official Facebook page or the “2025 Nantou Firefly Season” website.
