Every summer marks the fireflies season . (According to the lunar calendar, the beginning of summer usually falls on May 5 or May 6.) As early as the beginning of May, you can start visiting the fireflies. A number of people mentions the best viewing period is between May and September, but in fact, the peak—when you see the most—is only in early May, and latest by mid‑May. That’s when you can witness countless fireflies flashing and flying around.
This time I went a bit late. By the end of May, only some are still flying around. It is still a nice experience, but I prefer the sight of a whole swarm, like a sea of flowers sparkling everywhere.
If you dislike the outdoors or really don’t like insects, it’s not recommended to go. But if you want to see them without too many flying right in front of you, then around end of May is the most suitable time. After end of June, it is uncertain if you can still them.
Firefly Viewing Places
Setting off from Hong Kong, the closest option is actually Dalingshan Forest Park in Dongguan. Transportation is more convenient, and the area is larger but tends to be more crowded.
Another location is Xichong in Shenzhen. Taking public transport (E11 then transfer to M232) from Liantang station takes a long time, while taking a taxi/didi is more comfortable. The area is remote and less crowded, but traffic jams are common upon returning at night. Hence, it’s recommended to stay overnight in Xichong. Since I decided to return on the same day, I don’t have accommodation recommendations. However, you can search on Trip.com, with prices around HK$200 per night, and lodging is close to the firefly viewing area. There are also plenty of restaurants nearby, so food won’t be a problem. If you decide to return to Shenzhen on the same day, you can still get supper.
Xichong Firefly Viewing Areas
There are three areas where you can see fireflies. The most convenient is along the small path near the parking lot P9 (First Image below). Self-driving can park at P9 parking lot, walk along the nearby path (Firefly Greenway, marked in red in first image) and you’ll be able to see them on both sides.
Another spot is along the road leading to the Shenzhen Observatory (Second image). If you choose to go up to the observatory, you should take dinner beforehand, since you’ll also be stargazing and photographing star trails there. However, there is still some light pollution. For those self driving, you cannot drive directly up to the observatory—you must take a shuttle bus. There is a parking lot near the shuttle bus stop where you can park.
If you arrive early, you can first go to Beach No. 4 to sit and enjoy the sea. Alternatively, nearby there’s a McDonald’s or Luckin Coffee nearby where you can grab something to eat and kill some time.
Firefly Viewing Time
From 7 to 9 pm. After sunset, fireflies begin to appear. As you continue walking along the path, you’ll keep seeing fireflies flying on both sides, and sometimes even across the walkway.
On the day I went, there weren’t large swarms of fireflies, so I didn’t use my camera for long‑exposure shots. But I did capture some video on my phone. If you’re interested, you can check it out on my IG profile or Facebook page.
Important Reminders
- Do not turn on lights. Basically, you don’t need a light to see the path. If you really can’t see at night, just hold tightly onto the person next to you. But sometimes motorcycles with bright headlights will pass by…
- If it rains at night, you won’t see fireflies.
- Try to avoid using mosquito repellent.
- I believe you won’t capture any fireflies, right?
