The annual firefly season at Liyu Lake is about to begin! The East Longitudinal Valley National Scenic Area Administration, Tourism Administration, the Ministry of Transportation and Communications (hereinafter referred to as the Valley Administration) is hosting the 2026 Liyu Lake Firefly Season – Firefly Watching Fun Tour at the Liyu Lake South Trail every Friday and Saturday evening from April 10 to May 2 this year. Online registration opens on March 23! You are invited to step into nature and, amid the gentle chorus of insects and frogs, immerse yourself in the romantic glow of fireflies lighting up the spring night.
Brilliant as Pearls, Fireflies Light up a “Milky Way on Earth,” revealing the East Rift Valley’s Vibrant Ecosystem
Liyu Lake Recreation Area is a beautiful highlight at the northern end of the Valley Administration’s jurisdiction. Surrounded by mountains, it offers stunning scenery of reflective waters and drifting clouds during the day, making it an excellent spot for cycling and hiking. Liyu Lake comes to life at night in April and May. With its pristine, unpolluted waters and rich natural habitats, the area provides an ideal environment for fireflies to thrive and reproduce. During their brief adult stage, fireflies communicate mating signals through unique flashing patterns. Their shimmering lights weave through the forest like a “Milky Way on Earth,” filling Liyu Lake with a sense of romance on spring nights.
Supporting Green Tourism: Expanded Firefly-Watching Bus Service, Open Through the Labor Day Holiday
To promote sustainable tourism and provide convenient access, the Valley Administration is expanding the Taiwan Tourist Shuttle – Firefly-Watching Bus service this year. Saturday departures from Hualien Bus Station will increase to two runs, with two extra services added on May 1 during the Labor Day holiday to accommodate more visitors. In addition, the Valley Administration continues to partner with the Taiwan Tour Bus and local Qingyang Farm to offer seasonal itineraries featuring indigo dyeing, butterfly watching, and firefly viewing—delivering diverse, in-depth eco-tourism experiences.
Exciting Rewards: Stay in Hualien for a Chance to Win Hot Spring Prizes (While Supplies Last)
During the event period, the Valley Administration is offering a range of special rewards for participants. Visitors who take the firefly-watching bus or join designated tours with the Taiwan Tour Bus or Qingyang Farm can draw for prizes on site. Residents of Guangfu Township who successfully register and present their National ID card or proof of residence can claim a complimentary daylily sparkling drink at the venue. Participants who stay at a licensed accommodation in Hualien during the event week and present a receipt or invoice can enjoy an additional lucky draw for gifts such as a daylily sparkling drink or herbal balm, along with a raffle ticket for a chance to win a Hualien/Taitung accommodation voucher. All gifts are available in limited quantities while supplies last.
Moreover, to enhance engagement and add an element of fun, visitors who complete designated tasks in the “Chill at Liyu Lake” program or take photos using the interactive selfie system at Tannan Pier, upload them to the designated post on the official Facebook page, and successfully register on the official website can present proof on site to enter a prize draw for a special gift.
The highlight raffle will take place on May 7, featuring a weekday stay voucher at a hot spring hotel as the grand prize, along with a variety of exciting rewards. Visitors are invited to enjoy the enchanting glow of fireflies while also taking home exclusive gifts from the East Rift Valley (each participant may claim one item only; no duplicate claims).
Ecological Protection & Safety Guidelines: Creating a Firefly-Friendly Environment
To protect the fragile ecosystem and ensure visitor safety, the Valley Administration urges all participants to follow the guidance of volunteer guides and staff at all times as the event takes place in a natural outdoor habitat. Visitors are advised to wear long sleeves and long trousers to guard against insects. For safety reasons, high heels, open-toe sandals, and holding/opening umbrellas are strictly prohibited during the event. To minimize artificial light disturbance to fireflies, please cover your flashlight with red cellophane. In addition, traffic control will be implemented along the Liyu Lake South Trail during the event period. Visitors arriving by car are requested to park at the Tannan Parking Lot and proceed on foot to the venue.
This spring, escape from the hustle and bustle—step into the embrace of Liyu Lake, listen to the gentle chorus of insects and frogs, and dance with the fireflies to create unforgettable ecological memories.
For more event details and registration information, please visit the Valley Administration’s official website or Facebook fan page.
📌Official Website
📌Facebook
📌Firefly-Watching Event Page
📌Firefly-Watching Event Registration Link
