TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — People living in central Taiwan who long for an encounter with fireflies should take part in a weekday firefly viewing tour at Basianshan National Forest Recreation Area.
It is at this time of year that fireflies come out to mate and prey. Basianshan National Forest Recreation Area is rated as one of Taiwan's top 10 firefly viewing destinations, the Dongshih Forest District Office said in a press release.
From April 19 to May 7 (Monday to Friday), environmental education teachers at Basianshan Nature Center will take visitors to see the lightning bugs in their natural habitat in the forest, according to the office.
Those interested should go to the first floor of Basianshan Visitor Center between 3 p.m. and 5 p.m. on the day of the firefly viewing tour to register and pay a fee of NT$300 (US$10.35). This is NT$200 for Basian Villas guests or those who arrive on the Taiwan Tour Bus.
The fee does not include meals and park admission. The latest time to register for the tour is 4:30 p.m. at the visitor center.
As the minimum and maximum numbers of participants for a firefly viewing tour are six and 30, respectively, visitors are urged to register early. For more information about the activities, call Basianshan Nature Center at (04) 2595 0299.
With its short trails and diverse landscapes, the park is an ideal place for light excursions, including ascending to Basianshan. This is the highest peak on the Seven Heroes of Guguan range, at an elevation of 2,166 meters.
From April 15 to June 30, the park offers half-priced admission, which is NT$50 during weekdays and NT$75 during weekends and national holidays.
(Dongshih Forest District Office photo)
