📘Traveler's Notes｜Follow the fireflies into the secret world of the forest: A trip to Fuhua Hanguang Tower in Xitou

One evening in early April, I took the Xitou shuttle bus from Taichung High Speed Rail Station and slowly left the hustle and bustle of the city. The scenery outside the window gradually changed from reinforced concrete to towering bamboo forests and green mountains. That was a place I was familiar with and yearned for - Xitou, Nantou.

The purpose of this trip was very simple. I wanted to see fireflies.

🌌 Forest of glowing lights at night: Xitou firefly season

Every year from April to mid-May, a romantic miracle will appear in the forest of Xitou. When night falls, the temperature is moderate, and the air is fresh, fireflies will quietly appear and light up the mountains and forests.

I participated in the "Night Guided Firefly Viewing Activity" jointly organized by Xitou Nature Education Park and the hotel. Professional teachers led the way and introduced the species and habits of fireflies in a gentle voice. When we walked into a dense mountain trail, it was pitch black when we looked up, but it was like entering a starry river when we looked down - hundreds of fireflies flickered and danced around me, flickering and dimming, like a dream.

At that moment, I understood what "natural romance" is.

🏨 My accommodation: Hanguang Building, Howard Plaza Resort Xitou

I stayed at Hanguang Building, Howard Plaza Resort Xitou, which is like a hidden world in the forest. Hanguang Building is a relatively new and texture-oriented building in the Howard Plaza Hotel group. The exterior is a bit Japanese-style and simple. The room is mainly wood-colored. When you open the window, you can see the layers of green in the forest.

🛏 The room is spacious and the bathtub is clean. I like to sit on the balcony and listen to the chirping of insects and birds after taking a hot bath. The forest restaurant buffet in the evening is even more amazing. The meals are mainly based on local ingredients, such as bamboo shoot chicken soup and Nantou mushroom stewed rice, which have a natural and pure taste.

🚍 Transportation Information (How to get there)

It is most convenient to depart from the High Speed Rail Taichung Station. Howard Plaza Hotel has a special shuttle bus with the High Speed Rail (reservation required), the journey takes about 1.5 to 2 hours, passing through Jiji and Lugu along the way, with pleasant scenery. If you drive yourself, you can also directly navigate to "Howard Plaza Hotel Xitou", which has a parking lot attached.

📅 Best viewing time and precautions
• Firefly season: from early April to mid-May every year, slightly adjusted depending on weather and temperature
• Viewing time: 7:00-8:30 p.m. is the best time
• Participation method: You can sign up for a night tour at the hotel
• Precautions:
• Wear long sleeves, long pants, and take adequate mosquito repellent measures
• Fireflies are afraid of light, so please do not use flash or flashlights directly
• Keep quiet and do not disturb them

🌲 In addition to fireflies, daytime is also wonderful

During the day, I walked along the trails in the Xitou Nature Education Park, visited the Sky Corridor, Shenmu Forest Trail, and Mengzong Bamboo Forest Tunnel. The air was filled with the fragrance of plants and the smell of soil. Every step is like walking into a mountain forest painting.

📖 Summary: The sparkling poetry of the spring night

During this trip to Xitou, I not only saw fireflies, but also felt like I found myself again. Living in Hanguang Building, living in the mountains and tranquility, looking up is the stars, beside is the twinkling light, the "slowness" that was once forgotten finally found an outlet in this forest.

If you are also tired of the pace of the city, why not come to Xitou one night in April to find a whispering time with fireflies. 🌌✨