Yunlin firefly season offers rich ecological experience

(中央社訊息服務20260507 15:32:41)The Yunlin County Government launched its 2026 Firefly Season promotion campaign this year. A press conference was held on April 8 at the Cixin Organic Farm in Gukeng Township. From April 10 to June 30, the campaign, themed "Light Yunlin – A Colorful Party of Lights," combines ecological restoration, environmental education, and local tourism, planning 16 firefly viewing tours and diverse ecological experiences. Deputy County Magistrate Hsieh Shu-ya (謝淑亞), Agriculture Department Director Wei Sheng-te (魏勝德), Councilors Chien Tzu-fang (簡慈坊) and Chang Ting-chi (張庭綺), Gukeng Township Mayor Lin Hui-ru (林慧如), and Tzu-hsin Organic Agriculture Development Foundation CEO Su Mu-rong (蘇慕容), among others, invited the public to stroll through the mountains under the twinkling lights and experience the beautiful moments of Yunlin's ecological restoration.

Deputy County Magistrate Hsieh pointed out that the choice of Cixin Organic Farm as the venue for this event perfectly aligns with the ecological theme. The farm has long been committed to ecological education, combining agricultural production with brand marketing to promote organic agriculture and environmental education. Adhering to the concept of restoring the vitality of the land and coexisting harmoniously with nature, the farm has created a natural space that combines learning and experience, offering the next generation the opportunity to personally experience a lifestyle of coexisting with nature, which echoes the ecological spirit conveyed by the "Colorful Light Party" during the firefly season.

Deputy County Magistrate Hsieh stated that this firefly season, through collaboration among tourism, agriculture, industry, restoration, education, and the community, has created a welcoming and eco-friendly tourism environment, showcasing Yunlin's efforts and achievements in nature conservation and sustainable development. She sincerely invites the public to visit Yunlin during the firefly season, to experience the glimmer of light in the mountain night, and to work together to protect the precious natural life of this land.

Agriculture Director Wei Sheng-te pointed out that the restoration of fireflies is not just about returning a species to its habitat, but also symbolizes the gradual recovery of the overall ecosystem. In the past, five restoration sites have been carefully protected, including Huashan Debris Flow Education Park, Huashan Shanzhuhu Trail, Ganzhen Cage Firefly Viewing Area, Dahudi Firefly Viewing Area, and Master Chang's Ecological Black Tea Garden. This year, the light has illuminated the entire mountain forest. Visitors to Yunlin can explore 16 curated firefly viewing tours and a range of ecological experiences. These offerings provide access to a wider ecological corridor, with the chance to observe up to 10 different species of fireflies at once and experience the remarkable richness of biodiversity. (For event details, please visit the Yunlin Firefly Festival Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/yunlinfirefly)

Wei Sheng-te stated that this time, they collaborated with the local eco-friendly hotel Janfusun Resort Hotel to create a seasonal firefly-themed suite, allowing guests to enjoy comfortable accommodations while also practicing the concept of low-carbon and environmentally friendly travel. In addition to existing firefly watching spots in the mountains, the project extends to the plains, connecting Douliu Hushan Reservoir, Linnei Old Tobacco House Lemon Coffee Plantation, Gukeng Xinzhuang Guifei Farm, Cixin Nature Farm, Guquan Coffee Plantation, and Gukeng Mayuan Community. Together, these sites form an ecological corridor from the mountains to the plains, allowing fireflies not only to thrive deep in the mountains but also to gradually become part of people’s everyday surroundings.

Director Wei also reminded the public to abide by the "Four Don'ts and One Do' when watching fireflies: Don't disturb (the habitat), don't catch (fireflies), don't make noise (keep quiet), and don't use flashlights (avoid direct sunlight; cover them with red cellophane). The public is encouraged to work together to protect the firefly ecosystem. He added that while enjoying nature and appreciating its beauty, everyone can also help safeguard the fireflies’ habitat.