Spring firefly season starts in Lishui's Liandu district

Fireflies dance through the night in Jiulong Wetland in Lishui, Zhejiang province. [Photo/Tide News]

Liandu district in Lishui, Zhejiang province, has ushered in its spring firefly viewing season at Jiulong Wetland, with a rare natural spectacle lasting just over 20 days from late March to mid-April.

Fireflies light up the watery forest of Jiulong Wetland in Lishui, Zhejiang province. [Photo/Tide News]

What sets Liandu apart are multiple advantages. The area is distinguished from global firefly destinations, most of which occur in summer, offering an unusual springtime viewing, along with a pristine 16.86-square-kilometer river wetland that provides an ideal habitat.

The area's firefly population exceeds one million, allowing visitors to enjoy a distinctive experience that combines the daytime exploration of poetic landscapes with nighttime firefly viewing.

Fireflies light up the night sky at Jiulong Wetland in Lishui, Zhejiang province. [Photo/Tide News]

Behind this display are Liandu's rigorous conservation efforts. Following a population decline due to extreme weather in 2022, Jiulong National Wetland Park closed for the entire 2023 to restore the ecosystem.

Now, to protect the insects, access is strictly limited to 2,000 visitors per night and requires reservations, which open 15 days in advance. Visitors are advised to arrive during the day to explore the area, then enter the wetland at night to quietly witness the illuminated forest.