Mount Tiantai

Mount Tiantai in June: Watch Fireflies + Play in the Water
Mount Tiantai is the largest firefly viewing base in Asia, with a rich variety of fireflies and a large number, available for viewing from April to October each year.
Best viewing spots in June: Xiaojiawan and near the entrance to Mount Tiantai
When visiting Mount Tiantai to watch fireflies, it's essential to choose a clear day, as rainy and humid air can hinder the fireflies' ability to spread their wings and affect their luminescence. It's best if both the day before and the day of the visit are sunny; otherwise, the fireflies may hide in the grass and not fly or light up much.
Combining friends' recommendations and online reviews, we stayed in Xiaojiawan, which is very close to the firefly viewing platform, about a 10-minute walk. The owner is very nice, and the food is delicious, although a bit pricey, so it's suggested to bring some snacks.
If you arrange two days, on the first day, you can climb the mountain and tour the Tiantai~Le'an line, view the Changhong~Xiangshuitan Waterfall Group.
After 8:30 pm, when it's completely dark, walk to the firefly valley to watch the glowing dots of fireflies. The owner also took us to a small viewing spot near his place, but there were not as many fireflies as at the dedicated viewing spots. It's better to go a bit earlier, or you won't get a spot in the front row.
The second day, tour the main Tiantai (walking on the right side of the entrance, you can see a large area of endless summer) then pass through Butterfly Beach and walk through Vanilla Gully, where there are many free water play facilities for children, and the water play here is particularly comfortable. The riverbed is not muddy or rocky but is a particularly flat stone slab formed by sandstone washed by the flowing water, which is not slippery and doesn't hurt your feet, and the water is especially clear and cool. (Remember to bring spare clothes for the kids)
Ticket price: 60 yuan
Sightseeing car: 30 yuan per day
​Precautions
1. It is strictly forbidden to capture fireflies.
2. When watching fireflies, remember to turn off all light sources and watch in the dark. If you really need a flashlight or headlamp to see the path, please consciously cover it with a red plastic bag or red cloth (red light has less disturbance to fireflies).
3. When watching fireflies, please watch quietly, do not make noise, and do not walk around in the grass to avoid disturbing them.
4. If you need to take photos, it is best to use a professional camera, go up the mountain earlier in the evening while the light is still good, focus in advance, and adjust the composition.
5. Wear long-sleeved tops and long pants to prevent mosquito bites, and be aware that mosquito repellent can also affect fireflies.

Post by raven_seraphine_lucie | Jun 23, 2024