Firefly Watching in Greater Taipei: Chase the Glow by MRT and Bus

Fireflies, affectionately known as "fire beetles" in Taiwanese, were once a common sight in Taiwan's countryside. Every year during April and May, when spring transitions into summer, their twinkling glow could be spotted among the waterside grasses. These dancing lights hold a cherished place in the childhood memories of many Taiwanese. However, rapid industrialization and urbanization destroyed firefly habitats, causing them to vanish from the fast-developing Taipei Basin.
In recent years, growing environmental awareness has sparked firefly restoration efforts from both government agencies and private organizations. As a result, fireflies have returned to the outskirts of the Taipei metropolitan area. You can now reach firefly-viewing spots easily by metro or bus. This article recommends three firefly-watching destinations in greater Taipei. Hop on public transit and join the quest to witness these enchanting insects perform their nighttime dance!


Xindian District, New Taipei City - Hemei Mountain Trail(和美山步道)
Take the Songshan-Xindian MRT Line and exit at Xindian Station. To your left lies the scenic Bitan area, a beloved Taipei landmark since the Japanese colonial era and a popular weekend getaway for city residents. Cross the iconic Bitan Suspension Bridge, and you'll reach the Hemei Mountain trailhead. Just a 10-minute walk from the MRT station, you can witness fireflies dancing along the trail, making this the most accessible firefly-viewing location.

Every April and May, guided tours lead visitors into Hemei Mountain to observe fireflies. The mountain trails feature clear route markers, and the steps are thoughtfully painted with white edges to help visitors navigate safely in the dark. Standing at approximately 153 meters, Hemei Mountain offers gentle, easy-to-walk trails where fireflies sparkle throughout the forest - a truly magical experience.

As the clock strikes eight, firefly activity gradually winds down and their glow begins to fade. Take a stroll along the waterfront trail and gaze back at the beautiful Bitan shopping district and the distant Xindian mountains on the opposite shore. Humans and fireflies coexist in harmony on either side of Bitan.


Xindian District, New Taipei City - Wenshan Farm(文山農場)
Wenshan Farm sits between Xindian MRT Station and Wulai, with the Xindian River winding past its northern boundary. During the Japanese colonial period, this site served as a "Tea Training Institute" and made significant contributions to Taiwan's tea industry improvements. Today, it operates as a multi-purpose recreational farm. Take Bus 849 and alight at Shenzhangban Stop, then walk 5 minutes to reach the Wenshan Farm ticket booth.

The expansive grounds of Wenshan Farm are perfect for families with children to explore and expend energy. Facilities include camping areas, outdoor cooking zones, a tea ceremony area, a tea-making workshop, an agricultural products center, and a children's playground. Different activities and experiences are available throughout the day.

Wenshan Farm hosts annual firefly-viewing events. The 2024 "Dancing with Fireflies, Strolling Through Tea Fragrance" event runs from March 30 to May 26. During firefly season, they offer special half-day programs combining tea-picking farm experiences, traditional toy DIY crafts, and firefly watching - perfect for visitors of all ages to enjoy farm life and firefly viewing together.


Shilin District, Taipei City - Thousand Butterfly Valley(千蝶谷昆蟲生態農場)
Located within Yangmingshan National Park, the Thousand Butterfly Valley Insect Ecology Farm spans an impressive 5 hectares. It's just a 15-minute drive from the National Palace Museum. Take Bus S18 from Jiantan Station or Shilin Station and alight at Miaofa Temple Stop to reach Thousand Butterfly Valley.

The Neishuangxi Stream flows through the Thousand Butterfly Valley grounds, enriching its ecological environment. Here, you can observe both aquatic and terrestrial firefly species, along with forest inhabitants such as owls, bats, and masked palm civets. The park features outdoor butterfly-viewing areas, a forest rope adventure playground, a wading pool, camping grounds, and a specimen classroom - making it an exceptional venue for ecological education.

The 2024 "Glowing Butterflies - Thousand Butterfly Valley Firefly Season" event runs from April 20 to May 19. It offers half-day experiences combining butterfly ecology tours with firefly watching. As dusk settles over the forest, species including Luciola ficta, Luciola cerata, Abscondita chinensis, and Luciola filiformis dance gracefully over the water and along the hillsides - like a living starscape within the forest.

Under the guidance of docents, visitors enter the forest's ecological classroom to discover firefly eggs, larvae, and pupae in the restoration program. You'll learn that these holometabolous insects, beyond their two-week adult flight period, actually spend their entire lives glowing diligently in the darkness!


This content was translated by AI. Please refer to the original text if you have any concerns.