Alishan Fireflies

Alishan is home to a wealth of fireflies from 42 species, almost ⅔ of the species in Taiwan. Due to its vibrant ecology, these synchronized flashes of light are spotted gently hovering over trees throughout the year, while the most magnificent scene can be caught between April and June, when the number of fireflies is at its peak. Popular firefly watching locations in Alishan include Fenqihu, Ruolan Villa, Ruili Elementary School, Yimaxi Leisure Farm and Lijia Maple Viewing Trail.

Between spring and summer, thousands of tiny little dancing black-winged fireflies (Luciola cerata) create a magical illusion in Fenqihu, which will surely be the experience of a lifetime. You will find them all around you after the sun goes down until 9 p.m., while winter fireflies only make their presence for a short period of thirty minutes after the night falls. Ruolan Villa was the first location that worked out to restore these fireflies in Alishan and now is a prime location for firefly watching. Yimaxi Leisure Farm and Lijia Maple Viewing Trail are both light pollution-free, allowing you to enjoy this magical, surreal moment of wonder in a completely natural setting of enchanted forests.