A complete guide to firefly viewing spots in 2026 firefly season｜The best firefly viewing spots in Taiwan and precautions
A complete guide to the 2026 Taiwan Firefly Season, covering the best firefly viewing spots such as Dongshi Forest Farm, Alishan, Sun Moon Lake, Yangmingshan, and Liyu Lake, including transportation methods, photography skills, and itinerary arrangements.
Last Updated:2026-04-06
Table of Contents
1. 2026 Firefly Season Time and Overview
April to May every year is the peak breeding season for fireflies in Taiwan. You can enjoy the glow of fireflies in low-altitude mountainous areas across Taiwan. The firefly viewing season in 2026 will begin in early April, with the best viewing period from mid-April to early May. Fireflies like warm, humid and light-free environments and are usually most active 30 minutes to 1 hour after sunset (approximately 7 to 9 p.m.).
| month | activity level | Recommended areas | Remark |
|---|---|---|---|
| late March | start to appear | Southern low altitude areas | Vanguard troops, smaller in number |
| early April | Gradually increase | Central and southern mountainous areas | Also starting to appear in the north |
| Mid-April to early May | peak period | All over Taiwan | The best viewing period, the largest number |
| mid-may | Gradually reduce | mid- and high-altitude areas | Low altitude nearing end |
| June to August | summer fireflies | high altitude mountainous area | Different varieties, such as Deer Valley’s Summer Fireflies |
Tip
- The activity of fireflies is affected by the weather, and the number is usually highest on clear nights after rain.
- The first month of the lunar calendar (around the new moon) has the least light pollution, making it the most ideal time to watch fireflies.
2. The best firefly viewing spots in Taiwan
Taiwan has more than 60 species of fireflies. The following are the most recommended firefly viewing spots in 2026, each with its own characteristics.
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Dongshi Forest Farm (Taichung)
It is the largest firefly viewing spot in Taiwan. During the peak period every year, 200,000 to 300,000 fireflies can be seen flying all over the sky. The scene is extremely spectacular. The park has a well-planned firefly viewing trail with professional guides and explanations. Tickets include nighttime firefly viewing activities.
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Alishan (Chiayi)
There are as many as 42 species of fireflies in the Alishan National Forest Recreation Area, accounting for two-thirds of Taiwan's total. In addition to the black-winged firefly, you can also see rare species such as the big-end black firefly. Combined with sunrise, sea of clouds and sacred trees, you can plan a rich two-day itinerary.
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Sun Moon Lake (Nantou)
Taomi Ecological Village and Toushe Basin around Sun Moon Lake are well-known firefly viewing bases, with pristine environment and extremely low light pollution. Local B&Bs and ecological associations often organize firefly viewing tours, which are suitable for families and children.
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Yangmingshan (Taipei)
The closest firefly viewing spots to downtown Taipei, the Valley of Thousand Butterflies and Jingshan Road are the main viewing areas. The transportation is convenient and suitable for urban residents to go after get off work. Due to the higher terrain, firefly season is usually 1 to 2 weeks later than in the flat areas.
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Liyu Lake (Hualien)
Hualien Liyutan holds a "Firefly Ecological Tour" from April 10 to May 2 every year, with professional commentators leading an in-depth tour of the firefly habitat. Combined with Hualien’s natural landscape, it is the most popular firefly viewing spot in the east.
3. More recommended places to watch fireflies
In addition to the above five major attractions, the following areas also have a rich firefly ecology and are suitable for arranging different firefly viewing itineraries.
| area | Attractions | feature | best time |
|---|---|---|---|
| New Taipei | Pingxi, Pinglin, Three Gorges | Close to the northern metropolitan area and convenient transportation | Mid-April to early May |
| Hsinchu | Neiwan, Beipu | Hakka culture combined with firefly viewing, strolling through the old streets during the day and watching fireflies at night | Mid-April to early May |
| Miaoli | Nanzhuang, Sanyi | Fireflies fuel tung flowers, a double feast of nature | Late April to May |
| Chiayi | Meishan Taixing, Ruili | Alpine fireflies paired with tea garden scenery | April to May |
| Tainan | Meiling, Nanxi | The largest firefly viewing area in the south, with an astonishing number | Mid-April to early May |
| Pingtung | Kenting Sheding Nature Park | Combined with Kenting trip, unique varieties | April to May |
Tip
- The peak period of fireflies at each attraction is slightly different. It is recommended to check the latest local information before departure.
- Some attractions require reservations for guided tours or ticket purchase, please make arrangements in advance.
4. Things to note when watching fireflies
Fireflies are fragile ecological indicators. When viewing fireflies, you must abide by the following rules to protect the firefly habitat so that more people can continue to appreciate this beautiful scenery.
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Do not use flash or bright light
The bright light of flashlights and flashlights can seriously interfere with the courtship behavior of fireflies. For lighting, wrap a flashlight in red cellophane to minimize brightness.
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Not catching fireflies
The adult lifespan of fireflies is only about 2 weeks, and capturing them will directly affect the reproduction of the population. Please appreciate it with your eyes and don't touch it with your hands.
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Wearing long sleeves and long pants
Most firefly viewing locations are near grass in mountainous areas. Wear long sleeves and long trousers to prevent mosquito bites and snakes. It is recommended to wear light-colored clothing to avoid dark clothing that is less visible to other tourists in dark places.
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Speak softly and don’t make noise
Loud noises can disturb fireflies and other nocturnal animals. Please stay quiet and speak in low voices.
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No mosquito repellent spray
Chemical repellents contain ingredients that may harm fireflies. It is recommended to wear long sleeves and long pants to physically prevent mosquitoes, or use mosquito repellent products with natural ingredients.
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Walk on the trail without stepping into the grass
Firefly larvae live in moist soil and grass. Stepping into the grass may kill the larvae. Please follow the planned trails.
Important Notes
Please be sure to abide by the firefly viewing regulations of each park. In some areas, illegal use of flashlights or catching fireflies may result in fines.
5. Tips for taking photos of fireflies
Low-light photography of fireflies can be challenging, but master the following techniques to capture dreamy firefly photos.
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Essential equipment
Single-lens or mirrorless camera (it’s more difficult to shoot with a mobile phone), a tripod (a must), a shutter release cable or remote control, and a large aperture lens (f/1.4~f/2.8 is best).
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camera settings
Manual mode (M mode), open the aperture to the maximum (f/1.4~f/2.8), ISO 800~3200 (adjusted according to the environment), shutter speed 15~30 seconds. Turn off autofocus and use manual focus instead.
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Focus tips
Arrive at the scene before it gets dark, focus on the trees or landmarks at your intended shooting location while there is light, and then switch to manual focus to lock the focus.
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post-production
Continuously take multiple photos of the same composition (15 to 30 seconds each), and then use software such as Photoshop or StarStaX to overlay the images with light to create a spectacular picture of a large number of fireflies' light trails.
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Alternatives to cell phone photography
Some new mobile phones support long exposure or night scene modes, and basic effects can be achieved when paired with a mobile phone tripod. You can try Google Pixel’s astronomy mode or iPhone’s night scene mode.
Tip
- Arrive early to set up equipment to avoid disturbing other tourists and fireflies with flashlights after dark
- Turn off the camera screen or reduce the brightness when shooting to reduce light pollution
- Setting the white balance to about 4000K can present a more natural yellow-green light of fireflies
6. Transportation methods to various attractions
The transportation information of the main firefly viewing spots is summarized below to facilitate planning your itinerary.
| Attractions | Driving by yourself | mass transportation | Remark |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dongshi Forestry Farm | National Highway No. 4→Fengyuan End→Province Line 3→Dongshi→Dongshi Forest Farm | Take Fengyuan Bus from Taichung Railway Station to Dongshi Station, then take a taxi for about 15 minutes | There is a parking lot in the park. It is recommended to arrive early during holidays. |
| Alishan | National Highway No. 3 → Zhongpu Interchange → Provincial Route 18 (Alishan Highway) | Take the Taiwan Travel Alishan Line from Chiayi Railway Station | It takes about 2.5 hours to drive up the mountain. It is recommended to stay for one night. |
| Sun Moon Lake Taomi Village | National Highway No. 6 → Ailan Interchange → Provincial Route 21 → Taomi | From Taichung High Speed Rail Station, take the Taiwan Travel Sun Moon Lake Line to Taomi Keng Station | B&Bs often provide firefly viewing shuttle services |
| yangmingshan | Go up the mountain on Yangde Avenue → Jingshan Road or Section 3 of Zhishan Road | Take bus 15 or 260 from Jiantan Station | Yangde Avenue is closed during holidays, it is recommended to take the bus |
| carp pond | Provincial Route 9→Liyutan Scenic Area | Take the Taiwan Haoxing Longitudinal Valley Hualien Line from Hualien Railway Station | Guided tours require reservation in advance |
Tip
- There are many crowds during the firefly viewing season, so it is recommended to go on weekdays or leave early.
- The roads in mountainous areas are dark at night. Please pay attention to driving safety and slow down when driving by yourself.
7. Recommended itinerary
Suggested itineraries for one-day and two-day tours are provided based on time and budget.
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One-day trip: Firefly viewing at Yangmingshan (suitable for northern residents)
Depart for Yangmingshan at 3 pm. After arriving at 4 pm, take a walk on Qingtiangang Trail or Zhuzi Lake. Have dinner at a restaurant on the mountain at 6 pm. At 7 pm, go to Thousand Butterflies Valley or Jingshan Road Firefly Viewing Trail. End at 9 pm and return to the city.
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One-day trip: Firefly viewing at Dongshi Forest Farm (suitable for residents in central China)
Depart at 2 p.m., arrive at Dongshi Forest Farm at 3 p.m., hike in the park to enjoy flowers in the afternoon, enjoy park dinner or prepare your own meals at 5:30 p.m., join the firefly viewing tour in the park at 6:30 p.m., and return at 9 p.m.
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Two-Day Tour: Sun Moon Lake Eco Tour
Day 1: Head to Sun Moon Lake in the morning and ride the bicycle trails around the lake. In the afternoon, visit Xiangshan Visitor Center and Shuishe Pier. In the evening, stay at Taomi Eco Village B&B. In the evening, participate in the firefly viewing tour arranged by the B&B. The next day: Visit the Taomi Paper Church and Ecological Park in the morning, go to Puli Town for delicious food in the afternoon and return.
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Two-day tour: Alishan fireflies and sunrise
Day 1: Depart from Chiayi and go up the mountain at noon. Arrive at Alishan in the afternoon and take the forest trail to see the sacred trees. Check into the park hotel in the evening and watch the fireflies at 7 p.m. The next day: Take a small train to Zhushan at 4 o'clock in the morning to watch the sunrise. After watching the sunrise, take the Shuishan Giant Tree Trail. At noon, go down the mountain and visit Fenqihu Old Street.
Tip
- Accommodation for two-day tours is often hard to find during the firefly season, so it is recommended to book 2 to 4 weeks in advance.
- Families with children are recommended to choose an itinerary with guided tours, which will make it easier for children to understand and become involved.
8. FAQ
We have sorted out frequently asked questions about firefly viewing to help you be fully prepared.
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Can you still watch fireflies on a rainy day?
Fireflies will still come out during light rain, but heavy rain will make them hide. It is recommended to bring rain gear, as there are usually many fireflies on clear nights after rain.
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At what age is it suitable for children to participate?
It is generally recommended that children over 4 years old participate in firefly viewing activities. They need to be able to walk quietly and not be afraid of the dark. The guided trails in most parks are gentle and easy to walk, suitable for families and children.
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What equipment do I need to prepare?
Long sleeves and long pants, covered shoes (no slippers or sandals), light jacket (it gets cooler at night in mountainous areas), and a red cellophane flashlight. No need to carry a flash or bright flashlight.
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How much does a Firefly Season ticket cost?
Tickets to Dongshi Forest Farm are about 250 yuan (including firefly viewing); Alishan tickets are 200 yuan (general) or 150 yuan (non-holidays); Sun Moon Lake Taomi Village is mostly free (B&B tours are additional); Yangmingshan Thousand Butterfly Valley tours are about 200 to 300 yuan; Liyu Lake tours are free but require a reservation.
Key Takeaways
- 1 The peak period of the 2026 firefly season is from mid-April to early May. The best viewing time is from 7 to 9 o'clock after sunset.
- 2 Dongshi Forest Farm has 200,000 to 300,000 fireflies, making it the largest firefly viewing spot in Taiwan.
- 3 Three rules for watching fireflies: don’t use flash, don’t capture, and don’t step into the grass
- 4 Photographing fireflies requires a tripod and a large aperture lens, combined with long exposure and post-production.
- 5 It is recommended to go on weekdays to avoid the crowds. Please book accommodation 2 to 4 weeks in advance for two-day tours.
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