April, May Best Time for Firefly Viewing; Chiayi County Government Selects 23 Secret Firefly Spots

Central News Agency (Reporter Huang Kuo-fang, Chiayi County, 14th) - The Chiayi County Government today held a press conference for "2026 Firefly Wonderland" and announced 23 secret firefly viewing spots. Magistrate Weng Chang-liang stated that April to May each year is the best time for firefly viewing, especially the "massive outbreak" of fireflies in the mountainous areas, which is extremely spectacular, inviting parents and children to experience it together. The "2026 Firefly Wonderland" press conference was held today at the county government's investment promotion space, where Weng Chang-liang personally announced the official launch of the firefly viewing season. The press conference began with a short play by a theater group, vividly promoting firefly viewing regulations, including basic principles such as "red light on the ground, no noise, no catching fireflies." The Chiayi County Government issued a press release stating that there are over 2000 species of fireflies worldwide, of which Taiwan has more than 60 species, and the Alishan area of Chiayi has more than 40 species, making it the best place for parents and children to explore nature and learn about ecology. The unique landscape of the Alishan Forest Railway combined with the twinkling fireflies is a must-visit place for photography enthusiasts every year. The county government stated that this year's event emphasizes "ecological education protection" and "low-interference tourism," and has launched a phonetic version guide leaflet, designed with red cellophane, to guide parent-child tourists to reduce light pollution and minimize ecological interference, allowing children to learn to respect the environment from an early age; tourists can obtain it for free by staying at cooperating B&Bs at firefly viewing spots. Weng Chang-liang invited families nationwide to visit the mountainous areas of Chiayi to drink coffee, taste good tea, stay in characteristic B&Bs, deeply experience the unique local culture, and enhance parent-child relationships through firefly viewing activities. The Chiayi County Culture and Tourism Bureau has selected 23 secret firefly viewing spots, including trails suitable for parent-child travel and unique railway firefly viewing itineraries. In addition, 11 guided firefly tours have been launched to guide tourists to approach nature in the correct way. Information on firefly viewing spots and guided tours can be found on the Chiayi County Culture and Tourism Bureau's official website or Facebook fan page. (Editor: Long Bo-an) 1150414