Nanjing Summer Nights Are Lit! Limited-Time Firefly Spectacle in July-August, Don't Miss This Annual Event!

📍 TOP6 Firefly Wonderlands
1️⃣ Linggu Temple·Ancient Glow
Highlights: Fireflies framing the vermilion gates of Zhigong Hall, Baogong Pagoda, and Beamless Hall, creating scenes straight out of a Miyazaki anime.
Best time: 19:30-21:30 (Weekend crowds triple—arrive before 18:00 for prime spots)
Ticket: ¥33 (Free after 18:00)
Transport: Metro Line 2 to Zhonglingjie Station, then 10-min bike ride or 20-min walk.
Photo tip: Symmetrical shots at Zhigong Hall gates, tripod + long exposure for starry firefly trails.

2️⃣ Laoshan National Forest Park·Primordial Firefly Dance
Highlights: High firefly density near Doushuai Temple, Laomuzhu Gully, and Zhenqi Trail, blending with starry skies in serene wilderness.
Best time: After 20:00 (Ideal post-rain)
Note: Wujiadawa core area closes at 18:00 (exit only), with guided viewing zones 200m from entrance.
Ticket: Free (Some areas require reservation)
Transport: Drive to "Zhenqi Trail Parking" (¥10 fee).

3️⃣ Ming Xiaoling Mausoleum·Historic Night Glow
Highlights: Fireflies around stone statues, Xiangdian Hall, and Zixia Lake, merging history with nature.
Best time: 19:45-20:45 (Free after 18:30 via Gate 5)
Ticket: ¥70 (Night visit free)
Transport: Metro Line 2 to Muxuyuan Station, 15-min walk.

4️⃣ Purple Mountain Observatory·Hidden Gem
Highlights: Local favorite with dense fireflies near Seismological Station and Bo'ai Garden trails.
Best time: 19:30-21:00
Transport: Metro Line 2 to Zhonglingjie Station, then 40-min uphill hike (no streetlights—go with friends).

5️⃣ Xuanwu Lake Lovers' Garden·Downtown Fireflies
Highlights: Sporadic fireflies after 21:00 near Cuizhou Gate waters and wooded paths—perfect for casual encounters.
Ticket: Free
Transport: Metro Line 1 to Xuanwumen Station, 10-min walk.

6️⃣ Qixia Mountain·Fireflies & Foliage
Highlights: Early August fireflies dancing among first autumn leaves near Thousand Buddha Cliff and Sheli Pagoda.
Ticket: ¥45 (Night visit requires booking)
Transport: Metro Line 2 to NJU Xianlin Campus Station, then 10-min taxi.

📸 Photography Hacks: Smartphone Edition!
Gear: Camera + tripod + telephoto lens (70-200mm); phone pro mode (ISO 50-200, 15-30s shutter).
Composition: Low-angle grass shots or silhouette portraits against ancient architecture.
Editing: VSCO A6 filter for cool tones; Snapseed to brighten firefly dots.

⚠️ Firefly Etiquette: Protect the Magic!
4 DON'Ts:
No white flashlights (use red lights/cling film)
No insect repellent (wear long sleeves)
No catching/noise (fireflies live just 5-7 days)
No camera flash (disable phone flash)
Eco-rules: Pack out trash, avoid lawns/chemicals.
Safety: Wear grippy shoes (Linggu’s wet stones), hike Laoshan in groups, mind last trains (Line 2 ends at 23:00).

🍜 Nearby Eats: Post-Firefly Feast
Nanjing Impressions (Zifeng Mall): ¥60/pax—try congee & salted duck.
Laomendong Firewood Wontons: Spicy shrimp broth, ¥10/bowl.
Kexiang Night Market: Grilled sweet potato skins & "live beads" (dare to try?), ¥20/pax.

🏨 Stays: Fireflies + Relaxation
Luxury: Ziqing Lake Hot Spring Hotel (¥1,600/night—private tubs & forest firefly trails).
Budget: Linggu Vegetarian Guesthouse (5-min walk, ¥88/meal).
Glamping: Laoshan Stargazing Camp (¥300/pax—tents + outdoor movies).