East Rift Valley National Scenic Area

Fun tips
- April to May every year is Liyu Lake's firefly season.
- It is the recommended time to bike or hike around the lake.
- You can also try speed boats, rowing, or pedal boats.
- The local delicacy “live shrimps” is a must-try.
-Stroll along the lakeside trail to enjoy the view of the lake close-up.
-The quiet water makes it suitable for SUP while enjoying the amazing view.

Located at the foot of Mt. Liyu in Chinan Village of Shoufeng Township, Liyu Lake was named after Mt. Liyu on its east side. Liyu Lake can be divided into north and south lakes. Tongmen Mqmgi and Emerald Valley are near the northern lake whereas Chinan National Forest Recreation Area and Baibao River are not far away from the southern lake. It is a popular scenic area in Hualien with a lake trail, forest trial, and many recreational activities such as SUP and lake tours. During weekends and holidays, it is a great spot for locals to picnic. During the firefly mating season, the lake is lit by fireflies, attracting schools, families, and visitors to make an ecology tour.
Liyu Lake ecological tour
Best time for firefly watching: April to May
Liyu Lake at nighttime is occupied by various frogs, including rice field frogs, Japanese Buerger's frogs, Latouche's frogs, Moltrechti's green treefrogs, Swinhoe's frogs, and ricefrogs. Each year in March to November at nighttime, there is a chance to spot fireflies. April and May are the mating season of Luciola cerata, a Taiwanese firefly. On a clear night, on the circular trail around the lake there is a good chance for you to see shiny little dots in the sky.

Important notices regarding firefly watching:
1.Please keep your voice down. Do not capture or take any firefly with you.
2.Wear long-sleeved shirts and pants to protect yourself from mosquitos.
3.The circular trail can be dark at night. You can bring a flashlight (but wrap it with red cellophane).
4.Do not point the flashlight directly at the fireflies.

Hike or bike and enjoy the lakeside
Biking around the lake: about 30 minutes
Hiking around the lake about 1 to 1.5 hours
Liyu Lake has a 5km circular bike trail that allows bike riders to enjoy the pleasant lakeside. Liyu Mountain has an altitude of 601m. There are several forest trails. At the summit, from the lookout you can enjoy the view of the magnificent Central Mountain Range, Qilai Mountain, and Huadong Valley. It is an excellent hiking route that offers the best nature therapy and scenery.

Walk the trail and enjoy the view of waters and mountains
A 120 m-long lake trail was set up at the north side of Liyu Lake, completing the trail around the lake. The 3 m-wide trail provides visitors with a comfortable platform to walk on while enjoying the greenery of Mt. Liyu from far and the amazing view of the Lake up close. Visitors can even observe people rowing dragon boats when it is close to the Dragon Boat Festival. Families can also be seen paddling swan boats on the Lake. It is a trail that is suitable for families and visitors of all ages to enjoy hiking and appreciate the beauty of nature.

Row the boat on the Lake and embrace nature
There are various water activities at Liyu Lake. Visitors can take a guided boat tour, paddle on a swan boat, or even experience the fun of SUP. The quiet water of Liyu Lake makes it suitable for water activities. Visitors can enjoy the soothing view of nature while canoeing or doing SUP. If visitors are tired, they can go to the Liyu Lake Shopping District opposite the harbor and enjoy the local delicacies such as taro, sweet potato crisps and prawn crackers. One can also have a cup of papaya milk and a plate of fresh jumping shrimp to taste the local dishes and enjoy the unique delicacies of Liyu Lake!