The firefly viewing season has returned! The Xichong International Dark Sky Community (西涌国际暗夜社区) in Shenzhen’s Dapeng New District (大鹏新区) is getting transformed into a shimmering wonderland at night once again.
This year, firefly populations have surged compared to 2024, with the yellow-bordered firefly (黄宽缘萤) taking center stage, according to Shenzhen National Climate Observatory (深圳国家气候观象台).
The best time to experience this enchanting display of flickering lights is from May to July, with peak visibility between 7 and 8:30 pm.
These bioluminescent insects thrive in humid, grassy habitats, particularly near forest edges, riverbanks, and shaded green spaces.
Popular viewing spots in the dark sky community include the river between Xinwu (新屋村) and Yashan (芽山村) villages, the waterway near Xichong No. 3 Beach (西涌沙滩三号), and darker zones in Xigong (西贡村), Getian (格田村), and Xiyangwei villages (西洋尾村). Explorers are also encouraged to venture beyond Xichong, as nearby areas with minimal light pollution host their own firefly populations.
To ensure this natural spectacle endures for generations, visitors are urged to tread lightly and preserve the fireflies’ habitat.
Getting There
For public transport, take Bus E11 to Nan’ao Moon Bay Station (南澳月亮湾站), then transfer to Bus M232 to Hesou Village (鹤薮村). Recent additions of holiday shuttle buses from downtown Shenzhen make access easier. For more information, check the WeChat mini-program “e巴出行.” Note that buses operate on seasonal schedules. So, it’s advisable to check timings in advance.
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Food and Accommodations
There’s a wide range of guesthouses and restaurants to choose from. Local specialties include blanched red shrimp (白灼红虾仔), sea urchin fried rice (海胆炒饭), and clay oven roasted chicken (窑鸡).
Responsible Viewing Tips
To protect fireflies and enhance your experience:
- Check the Weather: Rain can cause fireflies to hide.
- Dress Wisely: Wear long sleeves, pants, and closed-toe shoes to avoid mosquitoes and snakes. Avoid using insect repellents or pesticides.
- Minimize Disruption: Keep noise levels down, avoid using bright flashlights, and refrain from touching the fireflies. If necessary, use red-light lamps.
Photography Tips
Capture the glow with a camera featuring wide-aperture lenses (e.g., 50mm f/1.4) for ethereal light trails. Smartphone users can use “star trail” or “light flow” modes with tripods for long-exposure shots. A selfie stick or stabilizer will help steady mobile devices for clearer images.
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This article is translated by China Daily from the original report in Chinese as published on the official WeChat public account of Shenzhen National Climate Observatory.
