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Complete Guide to Firefly Watching in Namasia, Kaohsiung — A Must-See Spectacle of Glowing Fireflies
Post date:2025-04-05
Update:2025-04-28
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（Notice：The news information translation was generated by GPT.）
A Once-in-a-Lifetime Spectacle: The Mountain Glows Again with a Sea of Fireflies! To promote tourism in indigenous regions, the Kaohsiung City Government Tourism Bureau has compiled a comprehensive guide for firefly watching in Namasia, inviting visitors from across Taiwan and around the world to explore the enchanting scenery of East Kaohsiung’s nine districts. This year (2025), Namasia’s firefly conservation efforts have paid off spectacularly. Along the three major firefly trails — Labinia, Dakanua, and Masinghalan — countless fireflies dance freely in the night, weaving a mesmerizing tapestry of light that resembles a starry sky. Director Min-Lin Kao of the Tourism Bureau highlighted that this year, the number of fireflies has significantly increased, with more than 15 species and over 200,000 fireflies lighting up the mountains. The breathtaking sight of countless "little golden lights" immerses visitors in a dreamlike world. Locals often call Namasia "the land where the gods dwell," and everyone is warmly invited to join this magical river of fireflies.
Director Min-Lin Kao noted that beyond nighttime firefly watching, Namasia offers many daytime attractions and culinary experiences well worth exploring. Visitors can marvel at the awe-inspiring natural formations of the "Century Gorge," hike the trails to the "Calling Platform," and enjoy panoramic views of the majestic cliffs. Minquan Elementary School is another highlight — its campus design integrates indigenous culture, environmental sustainability, ecology, education, and disaster preparedness. The library's architecture draws inspiration from the traditional hunting huts of the Bunun people and the men's gathering house of the Kanakanavu tribe, vividly showcasing Namasia’s rich cultural heritage. The school has also been awarded Taiwan’s highest green building honor: the Diamond Grade Green Building Certification. Currently, it’s the harvest season for peaches and dragon whisker vegetables (asparagus fern). Don’t miss specialties like peach-infused chicken dishes, dragon whisker vegetable salads, and the kiln-baked dragon whisker vegetable toast from the famed "Bakery in the Mountains." For coffee lovers, the region’s locally grown and roasted indigenous coffees — available at spots like Qiaoxiang, Iman, and Flower Café — offer a true taste of Namasia’s unique terroir.
The Tourism Bureau further highlighted that visitors coming to Namasia for firefly watching can also explore the surrounding districts of East Kaohsiung. Start your journey at the gateway to the East Nine Districts with a stroll through Cishan Old Street and Wude Hall, where you can admire traditional architecture and savor Michelin Bib Gourmand-recommended specialties like Hsiu Ming’s pork heart vermicelli soup. Next, visit the scenic Meinong Lake, where the serene waters and blooming pink Tabebuia trees create a romantic backdrop, perfect for a leisurely lunch of authentic Hakka cuisine. Continue to Shanlin District to explore the Nikko Xiaolin Farmers' Market, Xiaolin Village Memorial Park, the Pingpu Cultural Museum, and the Nanshalu Tribe, where you can learn to craft traditional flower crowns and hear the stories of resilience from the Dawuleng elders. Then head to Jiaxian, the starting point of the Southern Cross-Island Highway, where you can wander the charming Cat Alley, indulge in taro ice cream, and shop for local green plum products. Finally, wrap up your relaxed day trip with the magical experience of firefly watching in Namasia — a perfect mountain escape in Kaohsiung.
The Tourism Bureau added that for those seeking a deeper experience of Kaohsiung’s indigenous beauty, a two-day, one-night itinerary is highly recommended. Visitors can stay at one of Namasia’s seven licensed homestays or the local campsite, or opt for nearby accommodations such as Qiwei Cultural Hotel in Cishan, Meinong Tobacco Factory Hotel, or the hot spring inns in Liugui. Don't miss tasting the artisanal breads from Butterfly Svongvong Bakery in Liugui, made with indigenous agricultural products, perfectly paired with award-winning mountain tea and white tea — both honored with the highest three-star rating by the International Taste Institute (ITI) in Belgium. You can also visit quality coffee shops that participated in last year's Kaohsiung City Coffee Festival, savoring rich, smooth local brews. Afterward, soak in the renowned Baolai and Bulao hot springs of Liugui. Embrace a journey of "three slows" — slow living, slow travel, and slow food — leaving behind the bustle of the city to rediscover inner peace and the simple, profound joys of life.
The Tourism Bureau further noted that spring’s warm and pleasant weather makes it the perfect season for travel. The East Nine Districts are especially filled with romantic elements, making them ideal for trips with family and friends. Visitors are encouraged to plan an extended journey to fully experience the area — linking various districts' tourism resources and itineraries into a rich, multi-faceted trip that includes firefly watching, flower viewing, learning about the Pingpu, Indigenous, and Hakka cultures, and tasting a variety of unique local cuisines. Additionally, a visit to Neimen's Shunxian Temple is highly recommended to witness today’s (Apr.5) Neimen Song Jiang Battle Ritual Final — a cultural spectacle blending centuries-old religious traditions, martial arts performances, and the vibrant banquet culture, offering a rare and unforgettable glimpse into Taiwan’s living heritage.
A Once-in-a-Lifetime Spectacle: The Mountain Glows Again with a Sea of Fireflies! To promote tourism in indigenous regions, the Kaohsiung City Government Tourism Bureau has compiled a comprehensive guide for firefly watching in Namasia, inviting visitors from across Taiwan and around the world to explore the enchanting scenery of East Kaohsiung’s nine districts. This year (2025), Namasia’s firefly conservation efforts have paid off spectacularly. Along the three major firefly trails — Labinia, Dakanua, and Masinghalan — countless fireflies dance freely in the night, weaving a mesmerizing tapestry of light that resembles a starry sky. Director Min-Lin Kao of the Tourism Bureau highlighted that this year, the number of fireflies has significantly increased, with more than 15 species and over 200,000 fireflies lighting up the mountains. The breathtaking sight of countless "little golden lights" immerses visitors in a dreamlike world. Locals often call Namasia "the land where the gods dwell," and everyone is warmly invited to join this magical river of fireflies.
Director Min-Lin Kao noted that beyond nighttime firefly watching, Namasia offers many daytime attractions and culinary experiences well worth exploring. Visitors can marvel at the awe-inspiring natural formations of the "Century Gorge," hike the trails to the "Calling Platform," and enjoy panoramic views of the majestic cliffs. Minquan Elementary School is another highlight — its campus design integrates indigenous culture, environmental sustainability, ecology, education, and disaster preparedness. The library's architecture draws inspiration from the traditional hunting huts of the Bunun people and the men's gathering house of the Kanakanavu tribe, vividly showcasing Namasia’s rich cultural heritage. The school has also been awarded Taiwan’s highest green building honor: the Diamond Grade Green Building Certification. Currently, it’s the harvest season for peaches and dragon whisker vegetables (asparagus fern). Don’t miss specialties like peach-infused chicken dishes, dragon whisker vegetable salads, and the kiln-baked dragon whisker vegetable toast from the famed "Bakery in the Mountains." For coffee lovers, the region’s locally grown and roasted indigenous coffees — available at spots like Qiaoxiang, Iman, and Flower Café — offer a true taste of Namasia’s unique terroir.
The Tourism Bureau further highlighted that visitors coming to Namasia for firefly watching can also explore the surrounding districts of East Kaohsiung. Start your journey at the gateway to the East Nine Districts with a stroll through Cishan Old Street and Wude Hall, where you can admire traditional architecture and savor Michelin Bib Gourmand-recommended specialties like Hsiu Ming’s pork heart vermicelli soup. Next, visit the scenic Meinong Lake, where the serene waters and blooming pink Tabebuia trees create a romantic backdrop, perfect for a leisurely lunch of authentic Hakka cuisine. Continue to Shanlin District to explore the Nikko Xiaolin Farmers' Market, Xiaolin Village Memorial Park, the Pingpu Cultural Museum, and the Nanshalu Tribe, where you can learn to craft traditional flower crowns and hear the stories of resilience from the Dawuleng elders. Then head to Jiaxian, the starting point of the Southern Cross-Island Highway, where you can wander the charming Cat Alley, indulge in taro ice cream, and shop for local green plum products. Finally, wrap up your relaxed day trip with the magical experience of firefly watching in Namasia — a perfect mountain escape in Kaohsiung.
The Tourism Bureau added that for those seeking a deeper experience of Kaohsiung’s indigenous beauty, a two-day, one-night itinerary is highly recommended. Visitors can stay at one of Namasia’s seven licensed homestays or the local campsite, or opt for nearby accommodations such as Qiwei Cultural Hotel in Cishan, Meinong Tobacco Factory Hotel, or the hot spring inns in Liugui. Don't miss tasting the artisanal breads from Butterfly Svongvong Bakery in Liugui, made with indigenous agricultural products, perfectly paired with award-winning mountain tea and white tea — both honored with the highest three-star rating by the International Taste Institute (ITI) in Belgium. You can also visit quality coffee shops that participated in last year's Kaohsiung City Coffee Festival, savoring rich, smooth local brews. Afterward, soak in the renowned Baolai and Bulao hot springs of Liugui. Embrace a journey of "three slows" — slow living, slow travel, and slow food — leaving behind the bustle of the city to rediscover inner peace and the simple, profound joys of life.
The Tourism Bureau further noted that spring’s warm and pleasant weather makes it the perfect season for travel. The East Nine Districts are especially filled with romantic elements, making them ideal for trips with family and friends. Visitors are encouraged to plan an extended journey to fully experience the area — linking various districts' tourism resources and itineraries into a rich, multi-faceted trip that includes firefly watching, flower viewing, learning about the Pingpu, Indigenous, and Hakka cultures, and tasting a variety of unique local cuisines. Additionally, a visit to Neimen's Shunxian Temple is highly recommended to witness today’s (Apr.5) Neimen Song Jiang Battle Ritual Final — a cultural spectacle blending centuries-old religious traditions, martial arts performances, and the vibrant banquet culture, offering a rare and unforgettable glimpse into Taiwan’s living heritage.
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