Fujian's firefly season draws nocturnal nature lovers

陈小将

The first firefly tourism season opened in early July in Lingtou village, Minhou county of Fuzhou, Fujian province. Videos of the sprite-like insects quickly went viral.

The unique offering includes an exhibit detailing the habits, living environment, and important role fireflies play in their ecosystem. Visitors can also find dining and play options, as well as a workshop wherein they can make butterfly specimens by hand, explore the mysteries of ancient trilobite fossils, or create unique starry sky bottles.

When night falls, tourists can enter serene forests under the guidance of staff. They'll follow the glow of fireflies and listen to the murmur of nature.

On Saturday, a choir from the county will perform and take requests from tourists.

"The number of tourists chasing fireflies during summer can reach as many as 2,000 to 3,000," said Zhu Xiaochen, an official of Lingtou village, adding that the village built a new bed-and-breakfast this year to accommodate the travel volume.

Long-sleeved shirts and long pants are suggested when viewing the fireflies to prevent mosquito bites. Tourists are also asked to keep noise to a minimum and not catch fireflies or use strong light to avoid disturbing these lovely little creatures, according to local authorities.