TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — The Hualien County Government has launched its “Meteor Hualien” campaign, announcing a series of summer events that highlight the region’s natural environment and favorable conditions for astronomy tourism.

From July through August, the county will host free stargazing sessions every weekend, totaling 48 events at Qixingtan Scenic Area and Danongdafu Forest Park. Visitors can join guided night-sky tours that take advantage of Hualien's low light pollution, clear skies, and good air quality, factors that make Taiwan’s east coast well-suited for watching the stars, per CNA.

The campaign also includes cultural activities in southern Hualien. On July 11, Fuli Township will host a “firefly cinema” event at the Dongli Village Office from 4 p.m. to 9 p.m.

The outdoor event will feature film screenings, art installations, and a local market offering food and drinks. Limited meal vouchers will be provided to encourage purchases from participating vendors.

First introduced in 2020, “Meteor Hualien” is part of the county’s broader strategy to promote astronomical tourism in eastern Taiwan. The initiative combines stargazing with local industries, Indigenous culture, environmental education, and hospitality services, drawing over 5,500 participants in 2023, according to Smile Taiwan.

To support the campaign, the county has organized training programs for local astronomy guides. Since April, courses have covered storytelling, educational content, outdoor observation, and tour guiding skills to build a team capable of providing engaging, informative experiences that connect astronomy with local culture and ecology.

Stargazing depends on suitable weather and location. The Hualien-Taitung region offers ideal conditions with its clean air and excellent atmospheric visibility, allowing for a vivid array of stars to be visible on clear nights, according to East of Taiwan.