Summer nights not only offer a sky full of stars, but also provide opportunities to admire the twinkling lights of fireflies in the deep forests and along riverbanks. So, do you know which places in China are the best for watching fireflies? This article introduces ten of the best places in China to see fireflies: Tiantai Mountain in Sichuan, Zijin Mountain in Nanjing, Alishan in Chiayi, Taiwan, Xishuangbanna Tropical Botanical Garden, Yishui Firefly Water Cave Tourist Area, Xiamen Firefly Theme Park, Lishui Jiulong Wetland Park, Cenbu Village in Shanghai, Xitianmu Mountain in Lin'an, Hangzhou, Jingshan Mountain in Yuhang, Hangzhou, Fatouhouwu Village in Deqing Township, Huzhou, and Zhouzhuang Ancient Town.
1. Tiantai Mountain, Sichuan (National Scenic Area, 4A Scenic Area, National Forest Park, World Heritage Site)
Tiantai Mountain in Qionglai, Sichuan Province, is Asia's largest firefly viewing base. Nearly twenty species of fireflies have been discovered here, and the viewing season lasts for nine months each year (April to December). Tiantai Mountain boasts a rich diversity of firefly species, with 17 species discovered so far, including two newly discovered species in China. During peak firefly season, thousands upon thousands of fireflies flutter and shimmer along roadsides and in grassy areas, creating a spectacular sight, resembling a "Walk of Fame." Fireflies are distributed from the foot of the mountain at an altitude of about 800 meters to the main peak at about 1400 meters.
Address: Tiantaishan Town, Qionglai City, Chengdu, Sichuan Province
2. Nanjing Zijin Mountain (National Forest Park, 5A-level scenic area)
Purple Mountain in Nanjing is also one of the best places in China to see fireflies, with the best viewing spot located in Linggu Temple within the mountain. Every summer, it becomes a popular spot for taking photos and making photos in Nanjing. The best time to see fireflies at Linggu Temple is from June to August each year. Swarms of fireflies flit and dance through the trees, their lights attracting mates, creating a dazzling spectacle like stars in the night sky, making this magical forest incomparably beautiful. Additionally, the Ming Xiaoling Mausoleum on Purple Mountain is also a good place to see fireflies.
Address: Xuanwu District, Nanjing City, Jiangsu Province
3. Alishan, Chiayi, Taiwan
April and May are the highly anticipated firefly season at Alishan National Scenic Area. Every spring and summer, tens of thousands of fireflies gather here, making it the best time to see them. The scenic area boasts as many as 42 species of fireflies, accounting for about two-thirds of all firefly species in Taiwan, and they can be seen from low to mid-high altitudes, making it a treasure trove for firefly viewing. During the day, you can stroll along trails and admire the sea of clouds, and at night, witness the dreamlike spectacle of a river of fireflies in midsummer.
Address: No. 59, Zhongzheng Village, Alishan Township, Chiayi City, Taiwan Province
4. Xishuangbanna Tropical Botanical Garden (5A Scenic Area)
Xishuangbanna is also the best place to see fireflies. Every year from April to June, the Xishuangbanna Tropical Botanical Garden of the Chinese Academy of Sciences is surrounded by tens of thousands of fireflies, like millions of stars in the sky. As the sun sets and darkness falls, the number of fireflies gradually increases. Under the shade of trees, by the pond, and in the grass, fireflies can be seen everywhere, emitting a faint, flickering light, dancing like a fairy tale. After 9 pm, the number of fireflies decreases.
Address: Huludao Island, Menglun Town, Mengla County, Xishuangbanna Dai Autonomous Prefecture, Yunnan Province
5. Yishui Firefly Water Cave Tourist Area (5A-level scenic spot)
The Firefly Water Cave Scenic Area is a place where fireflies can be seen year-round. The cave maintains a constant temperature of 18℃ throughout the year and boasts a mysterious firefly spectacle, a true wonder of Asia. Inside, there are not only numerous stalactites and strangely shaped rocks, but also a unique species of firefly that lives exclusively in the damp cave. These fireflies, scattered across the cave ceiling like twinkling stars in a clear night sky, create a magical spectacle with thousands upon thousands of them. Entering the dark cave and boarding a small boat pulled by ropes, surrounded by a sky full of twinkling stars, feels like stepping into a fairytale world, inspiring imagination and making one linger.
Address: Yishui County, Linyi City, Shandong Province
6. Xiamen Firefly Park
Xiamen Firefly Park, located in Yiqing Valley on Wenzeng Road in Xiamen, Fujian Province, is China's first firefly-themed park. Spanning 20 acres, the park boasts a picturesque landscape of mountains and water, nestled amidst lush forests. Tens of thousands of fireflies have been artificially bred there. From June to September each year, admission is free for children under 16 years old from 7:30 PM to 9:00 PM, but they must be accompanied by at least one guardian. To protect the fireflies, only 300 visitors are allowed per day, so advance reservations are required. Guardians are required to purchase tickets; entry is only permitted for those without a child under 16, and the guardian must be a guardian themselves.
Address: Yiqing Valley, Wenzeng Road, Siming District, Xiamen, Fujian Province
7. Lishui Jiulong Wetland Park (National Wetland Park)
Kowloon Wetland Park gained fame thanks to a photograph of a "sea of fireflies," where the woods and grasslands are filled with countless fireflies, like a sky full of stars. The fireflies in Kowloon Wetland begin to appear in March, lasting for about a month, peaking around early April and ending around late April. The best viewing spots are in the woods and bamboo groves near the Oujiang River, and along the trail about 50 meters from the entrance of Kowloon Wetland Park in Hongwei Village, turning right and continuing straight to the pavilion; the section with the most fireflies is there. In addition, many fireflies can also be seen along the dense waterfront, forest edges, and bushes.
Address: Taobi Line, Liandu District, Lishui City, Zhejiang Province
8. Cenbu Village, Shanghai
Cenbu Village, located in Qingpu District, Shanghai, is a famous firefly viewing spot in Shanghai, known as the most spectacular firefly observation site in the city. It is the only area in Shanghai where two species of fireflies have been found. In other areas, only the yellow-veined firefly, about the size of a grain of rice, can be seen, flying very slowly as if carrying a small lantern. The unique striped-back firefly here is three times the size of the yellow-veined firefly, flies very fast, and is much brighter, like a shooting star.
9. West Tianmu Mountain, Lin'an, Hangzhou (4A Scenic Area)
Xitianmu Mountain is known as the "Kingdom of Giant Trees." With its babbling brooks, pleasant temperature, and abundant vegetation, it provides ideal conditions for fireflies to thrive, making it easy to find them. Because darkness falls early in the mountains, a stroll along the winding mountain road will reveal tiny lights in the roadside grass. Further along, the search is effortless. Walking in the mountains at dusk, you'll often encounter fireflies in their "mass wedding" display, with the chances of seeing them increasing the further you go up the mountainside. Locals at Xitianmu also say that in the summer, many people from Shanghai make a special trip there to cool off and watch the fireflies.
Address: Northwest of Lin'an District, Hangzhou City, Zhejiang Province
10. Jingshan Mountain, Yuhang District, Hangzhou (4A Scenic Area)
Jingshan in Yuhang District has always been a favorite summer retreat for Hangzhou residents. Enjoying a cup of Jingshan tea and listening to the Zen and tea ceremonies at Jingshan Temple makes for a truly pleasant experience. Children can also find fireflies there. At night, the lights in every household in Jingshan Village are extinguished early, making it easy to see a sky full of stars. Looking down, you'll suddenly realize there are many "little stars" all around you. Fireflies can be found outside the ancient Jingshan Temple and along the ancient Jingshan Road.
Address: Jingshan, Yuhang District, Hangzhou City, Zhejiang Province
