The annual firefly season at Liyu Lake is about to begin! The East Longitudinal Valley National Scenic Area Administration, Tourism Administration, Ministry of Transportation and Communications (hereinafter referred to as the Valley Administration) will host the 2025 Liyu Lake Firefly Season – Firefly Watching Fun Tour (hereinafter referred to as the firefly-watching tour) at the Liyu Lake South Trail every Friday and Saturday evening from April 11 to May 3. Online registration opens on March 24!
Liyu Lake Recreation Area is a stunning highlight at the northern end of the Valley Administration’s jurisdiction. Surrounded by mountains, it offers breathtaking views of reflective waters and drifting clouds during the day, making it an excellent spot for cycling and hiking. Liyu Lake truly comes to life at night in April and May, with frogs croaking, insects chirping, and fireflies illuminating the night sky! During their brief adult stage, fireflies use their light as mating signals, flashing unique frequencies to attract mates. Their glowing lights are sometimes described as resembling a "Milky Way on Earth." Thanks to the fireflies, Liyu Lake becomes especially romantic during this season. Don’t miss out on this magical experience.
Valley Administration Director Tsung-Min Hsu stated that this year's firefly-watching tour will be completely free of charge. Guided by professional volunteers from the Valley Administration, participants will have the chance to observe fireflies up close, enjoy the enchanting experience of being surrounded by them, and create unforgettable memories with family and friends. To promote eco-friendly tourism, the firefly-watching tour will collaborate with Taiwan Tourist Shuttle, Taiwan Tour Bus, and local tourism operators around Liyu Lake to offer visitors a variety of convenient travel options. During the event, the Taiwan Tourist Shuttle – Hualien Line will operate a firefly-watching bus service for visitors traveling between Hualien Bus Station and Liyu Lake. Every Saturday at 18:00, the bus will depart from Hualien Bus Station and return from Liyu Lake at 20:00, with a fare of NT$120. The Valley Administration is also partnering with Qingyang Farm, an eco-friendly establishment dedicated to promoting harmony between people and nature. Visitors can plan a daytime trip to Qingyang Farm to watch butterflies or try indigo dyeing before joining the firefly-watching tour at night. Event participants who take the Taiwan Tourist Shuttle firefly-watching bus or visit Qingyang Farm for butterfly watching or indigo dyeing on designated dates will receive one of three special gifts: a stationery set, tea tree herbal tea, or bath balls. Taiwan Tour Bus also offers exclusive firefly-season itineraries, where participants can redeem a bottle of Wusay Lemon dish soap from the Langas Tribe in Ruisui.
Additionally, the Valley Administration has launched a lucky draw for accommodation guests. Anyone staying at legitimate accommodations in Hualien County during the designated period and participating in the firefly-watching event can redeem a bottle of Wusay Lemon dish soap with their receipt and enter the lucky draw. The grand prize includes accommodation vouchers for a hot spring hotel in Hualien, as well as other valuable rewards. Everyone is welcome to join this annual spectacular event at Liyu Lake!
For visitor safety, the Valley Administration reminds participants that traffic control measures will be implemented around the Tannan Trail of Liyu Lake during the firefly-watching event. Drivers are requested to park their vehicles at the Tannan parking lot and walk to the event venue. As the event takes place outdoors, please follow the instructions of volunteer guides and staff. Avoid bringing umbrellas and wearing high heels or open-toed sandals. Cover flashlight lenses with red cellophane to reduce light pollution and protect the fireflies.
This spring, escape the hustle and bustle of city life, immerse yourself in nature, enjoy the soothing sounds of frogs and insects, and experience the magical dance of fireflies. Liyu Lake is ready to welcome you!
