SHENZHEN — This summer, Shenzhen residents can enjoy a natural wonder without traveling far, as Wuzhou Shanhaiwan Hotel (五洲山海湾酒店) unveils a new “staycation” experience: firefly watching.

Recognized as the “gold standard” for ecological health, fireflies are extremely sensitive to water quality, air purity, and light pollution. These tiny creatures, which live for just two weeks after emerging from a year underground, deliver a brief but spectacular display during summer. Their synchronized flashing — used for mating rituals — creates a magical atmosphere described as “illuminating the quiet night and the soul”.

Set on the serene western coast of the Dapeng Peninsula, with the Dapeng Mountain range as its backdrop, Wuzhou Shanhai Bay Hotel offers a secluded escape designed for nature lovers.

In a joint effort with the hotel, district government -owned Dapeng Culture and Tourism Development Co Ltd initiated a program last year to restore the natural habitat around the property. With guidance from the Guangdong Firefly Conservation Association, the project helps ensure the environment is just right for the “elves of summer”.

The conservation efforts have paid off. According to a post on a WeChat public account from Dapeng Culture and Tourism Development, fireflies can be observed in the hotel’s garden, pond, and valley areas.

According to the resort, the best viewing conditions include nighttime temperatures between 18 and28 C, with peak activity typically occurring around 25 C. The fireflies’ flashing is usually visible about 30 minutes to two hours after sunset, and calm, humid nights following rain are especially favorable.

The firefly-watching activity will run until Aug 25 this year.

This article is based on original report in Chinese as published on the WeChat public account of Wuzhou Shanhaiwan Hotel.