The Best Time to See Fireflies in Nanjing Has Arrived

Every summer, Nanjing's nights are illuminated by the twinkling glow of fireflies, a fleeting romance unique to the season. Fireflies are most active one hour after sunset, with the prime viewing time between 7:30 PM and 9:00 PM on clear evenings. From late June to early August is their peak activity period. With excellent urban greenery and mountainous terrain, Nanjing boasts many firefly gathering spots in summer. Here are some must-save viewing locations: Zhongshan Mausoleum - Wangshan Street Address: Zhongshan Scenic Area, southern foothills of Purple Mountain, Xuanwu District, Nanjing Route: Gongguan Café → Xianshan Secret Trail (tea garden wooden walkway) → Qiushui Lake → Qingfeng Mingyue Pavilion → Wangyue Tea Garden Best viewing time: Arrive after 20:00, as fireflies only appear after dark. Ming Xiaoling Mausoleum - Zixia Lake Address: Dulongfu Wanzhu Peak, southern foothills of Purple Mountain, Xuanwu District, Nanjing Route: Gate 1 of Ming Xiaoling → Maisui Café → Firefly viewing spot (stream under the bridge at northwest corner of Zixia Lake) → Gate 7 of Ming Xiaoling Best viewing time: 19:45-20:45 Recommended spots: Around the Hall of Enjoyment, Stele Hall, Inner Red Gate, and Yan Zhenqing's Stele Forest. Qixia Mountain Scenic Area Address: 88 Qixia Street, Qixia District, Nanjing Route: Take Metro Line 2 to Xianlin Campus Station of Nanjing University, then taxi/drive to Qixia Mountain West Gate. Best viewing time: Around 19:00 Recommended spots: Thousand Buddha Cliff and around the Pagoda of Buddhist Relics. Linggu Temple Address: Southeast slope of Purple Mountain, Xuanwu District, Nanjing Route: Metro Line 2 to "Zhonglingjie Station" or "Xiamafang Station"; Bus 202 to Linggu Temple Park Station. Best viewing time: 20:00-23:00 Recommended spots: Near Baogong Pagoda, Jade Belt Bridge, Red Gate, and Ancestral Pagoda Forest. Laoshan National Forest Park Address: 90 Huangshanling Road, Jiangpu Street, Pukou District, Nanjing Route: Drive to Laoshan National Forest Park · Zhenqi Line Forest Trail (intersection of Zhenqi Line and Lihei Road). Best viewing time: After 19:30 Recommended spots: Tea gardens, Doushuai Temple, and near Laomuzhu Gully. Firefly Viewing Tips: 1. Protect the ecosystem: Do not catch fireflies and turn off flashlights. 2. Prevent mosquito bites: Wear long sleeves/pants, apply repellent, and bring a flashlight. 3. Avoid crowds: Weekends/holidays are busier—plan ahead.