Hualien's "Firefly Summer in Guangfu" Revitalization Event to Launch at Guangfu Sugar Refinery on May 22

(CNA, Taipei, by reporter Tseng Yun-ting, May 18) The Commerce Development Administration of the Ministry of Economic Affairs announced today that Hualien's Guangfu Township is gradually regaining its vitality after the disaster, and a series of revitalization activities will continue in the year 115 (2026). Among them, "Firefly Summer in Guangfu" will kick off on May 22 at the Hualien Guangfu Sugar Refinery, linking firefly-watching ecotourism with local businesses to boost local tourism and consumption through two weekend events. In a press release, the Administration stated that this event is jointly organized with the Hualien-Taitung District Office of Taiwan Sugar Corporation, the Mataian Leisure Agriculture Development Association of Hualien County, and the Pingsen Sustainable Development Association of Hualien County. The event will run for two weekends, from May 22 to 24 and May 29 to 31. It will connect 15 dining, souvenir, and handicraft shops within the sugar refinery, inviting the public to visit the refinery, enjoy ice cream, and shop for souvenirs during the day, and participate in firefly-watching activities at night to experience the ecological beauty of the valley. The Administration noted that Guangfu Township, located in the heart of the Hualien Valley, possesses a rich combination of natural ecology, tribal culture, and sugar industry history. In the face of natural disasters, the Ministry of Economic Affairs has already initiated several support measures, including aid for businesses, subsidies for equipment replacement, restoration projects for public markets, and relief programs for commercial vehicles. At the same time, it is promoting rent reduction measures for businesses in the Hualien Tourism Sugar Refinery to ease operational pressures and assist in the gradual recovery of local commerce. This "Firefly Summer in Guangfu" event, centered at the Hualien Tourism Sugar Refinery, will conduct joint marketing by combining the flow of TRA passengers and firefly-watching tourists. Through discount and consumer feedback mechanisms, it encourages tourists to spend locally. It also guides businesses to strengthen their digital reputation management, including Google reviews and social media sharing, hoping to transform the short-term event buzz into long-term business benefits. The Mataian Leisure Agriculture Development Association of Hualien County stated that Guangfu Township has gradually regained its vitality after adjustments post-disaster and thanked the central government and all sectors for their support. The current stage is suitable for tourists to revisit Guangfu and experience its slow-city atmosphere and local culture. The Administration explained that during the event period, anyone holding a 2026 national firefly-watching ticket, or a physical or electronic TRA ticket with "Guangfu Station" as the destination, can enjoy a NT$100 discount on purchases over a certain amount at partner stores in the sugar refinery. The Hualien-Taitung District Office of Taiwan Sugar Corporation will also provide 1,000 sugar factory popsicles. Visitors who leave a Google review at a partner store and share their experience can redeem a popsicle and participate in a capsule toy lottery, with an additional 500 selected gifts up for grabs. Furthermore, during the event weekends, the "170 Singing Troupe," composed of youth from the Mataian tribe, will perform live. Their indigenous music will create a slow-living atmosphere in the valley, allowing tourists to feel the recovery momentum of Guangfu Township through firefly watching, consumption, and cultural experiences. (Editor: Pan Yi-ching) 1150518