Sun Moon Lake Firefly Season Kicks Off; Fireflies Shine in 8 Major Areas

Sun Moon Lake features various firefly species including Yellow-fringed Butterflies, Black-winged Fireflies, Solder's Glow-worms, and Large End Black Beetles. The Tourism Administration's Sun Moon Lake National Scenic Area Administration is hosting the 'Sun Moon Lake Starlight Firefly Season' in April and May, integrating ecological tours and indigenous culture into a series of in-depth, low-carbon travel itineraries. The firefly viewing map includes zones in Taomi, Dongguang, Shuishe, Touzhe, Tan Nan, Dan Da, Da Lin, and Lian Hua Pond. The Administration stated today in a press release that each location combines local characteristics for diverse experiences. For instance, Taomi and Dongguang offer frog viewing, exploration of fish and shrimp ecology, pine needle weaving, and agricultural experiences. Touzhe's firefly viewing includes exploring waterways and experiencing the 'Living Basin.' Shuishe combines cycling tours with stand-up paddleboarding. Venturing into Tan Nan and Dan Da allows visitors to taste 'hunter's bento' and experience Bunun cultural aromatherapy and craft making. The Administration emphasizes low-carbon tourism, recommending increased use of 'Taiwan Tour Bus' routes for Sun Moon Lake and Checheng. They also remind visitors that fireflies are extremely sensitive to their environment and require pollution-free light, clean water, and good air quality to survive. When viewing fireflies, visitors must observe principles of non-interference, no capture, and no harm. Flash photography should be turned off, and flashlights must be covered with red cellophane to minimize disturbance.