Summer is the firefly season. Take a break from urban light pollution and enjoy a romantic summer night amidst the "stars" dancing in the bushes! Where can you see fireflies? There are multiple locations in Guangzhou, Shenzhen, and many other places in Guangdong.
South China National Botanical Garden (华南国家植物园), Guangzhou
Fireflies in the grass (Photo: South China National Botanical Garden)
Fireflies in this botanical garden got pepped up in May and June. They can be seen in the Arboretum (the grass in front of the Cycad Garden).
Map of the botanical garden (Original image: South China National Botanical Garden)
Open hours: 7.30 am - 5.30 pm
Extended open hours for May 20, June 10, and every Friday - Sunday from May 11 to June 10: 7.30 am - 7.30 pm, no entry after 7.30 pm, and visitors should exit the garden before 9 pm
Add.: No. 1190 Tianyuan Road, Tianhe District, Guangzhou (广州市天河区天源路1190号)
Metro: Take Metro Line 6 to the Botanical Garden station and use Exit A
Adult ticket: ￥20
Elderly/student ticket: ￥10
Service hotline: 020-85232037 (8 am - 5 pm)
Rescue services: 020-37250983 (all day)
The botanical garden is very popular. There are several less crowded places to enjoy the firefly season in Guangzhou, such as Baiyun Mountain (白云山), Tianhe Park (天河公园), Haizhu Wetland (海珠湿地), South China Agricultural University (open to alumni only), Dafushan Forest Park (大夫山森林公园), and Holushan Forest Park (火炉山森林公园).
Xichong International Dark Sky Community (西涌国际暗夜社区), Shenzhen
Certified by the International Dark-Sky Association, Xichong International Dark Sky Community is the first international dark sky community in China and the second one in Asia.
Fireflies found in Xichong are mainly Asymmetricata circumdata. They usually appear in wet and grassy areas around the watercourse between Xinwu Village (新屋村) and Yashan Village (芽山村), the watercourse near Xichong No. 3 Beach (西涌沙滩三号口), and the grass in Xigong Village (西贡村), Getian Village (格田村), and Xiyangwei Village (西洋尾村).
Fireflies and the Shenzhen Astronomical Observatory (Photo: Shenzhen Astronomical Observatory)
There are also the Shenzhen Astronomical Observatory, beaches, and campgrounds in Xichong. Along with firefly watching, your trip in Xichong can include stargazing, beachcombing, surfing, and camping. If you are lucky, you might even see blue tears.
Xichong (Photo: Wang Xiang / Yangcheng Evening News)
On-time admission: ￥28
Single-day unlimited admission: ￥35
Late entry after 7 pm: ￥15
Add.: Xichong Seaside Tourist Resort, Dapeng Peninsula, Longgang District, Shenzhen (深圳市龙岗区大鹏半岛西涌旅游度假区)
Bus: Take Route M232 to the Xichong Beach
Note: Compact cars without a Shenzhen license plate cannot pass from 7 am – 9 am & 5.30 pm – 7.30 pm on weekdays.
Fireflies can also be found in a few parks in the city, such as the Futian Mangrove Ecological Park (福田红树林生态公园) and the Lianhuashan Park (莲花山公园). These parks allow people living downtown to observe fireflies at night even on workdays.
Tips
1. Fireflies are usually easy to be found from 7 pm to 9 pm.
2. Avoid rainy days, as fireflies will hide from the rain.
3. Wear long-sleeved clothes and trousers to protect yourself from insects and be aware of snakes.
4. Do not use insect repellents, as they will repel and harm fireflies.
5. Do not use a light and turn off the flash when taking photos or videos.
6. If you must use a torch or headlamp, cover it with a red cloth to minimize its disturbance on fireflies.
7. Do not cross the fence (if there is one) to intrude into the grass where fireflies inhabit.
8. DO NOT capture fireflies!
9. Long exposure stacking can help you capture excellent firefly photos; recommended photo settings: F/1.2-1.8, ISO 200-1600, 5-13s shutter time (adjust settings according to the actual environment).
In addition to the above-mentioned locations, some areas with a dark environment and lush vegetation are suitable for firefly activities as well.
More options for you:
Boluo Dongshan Provincial Forest Park (博罗东山省级森林公园), Huizhou
Boluo Xiangtou Mountain (博罗象头山), Huizhou
Aishu Heaven Town in the Longmen County (龙门爱树天堂小镇), Huizhou
Dalingshan Forest Park (大岭山森林公园), Dongguan
Beitai Forest Park (北台森林公园), Zhongshan
Jiudao Valley (九道谷), Sanshui District, Foshan
Reporter | Chen Longyan
Editor | Steven, Will, Monica, James
