Nanjing Summer Nights Are Lit! Limited-Time Firefly Spectacle in July-August, Don't Miss This Annual Event!

📍 TOP6 Firefly Wonderlands 1️⃣ Linggu Temple·Ancient Glow Highlights: Fireflies framing the vermilion gates of Zhigong Hall, Baogong Pagoda, and Beamless Hall, creating scenes straight out of a Miyazaki anime. Best time: 19:30-21:30 (Weekend crowds triple—arrive before 18:00 for prime spots) Ticket: ¥33 (Free after 18:00) Transport: Metro Line 2 to Zhonglingjie Station, then 10-min bike ride or 20-min walk. Photo tip: Symmetrical shots at Zhigong Hall gates, tripod + long exposure for starry firefly trails. 2️⃣ Laoshan National Forest Park·Primordial Firefly Dance Highlights: High firefly density near Doushuai Temple, Laomuzhu Gully, and Zhenqi Trail, blending with starry skies in serene wilderness. Best time: After 20:00 (Ideal post-rain) Note: Wujiadawa core area closes at 18:00 (exit only), with guided viewing zones 200m from entrance. Ticket: Free (Some areas require reservation) Transport: Drive to "Zhenqi Trail Parking" (¥10 fee). 3️⃣ Ming Xiaoling Mausoleum·Historic Night Glow Highlights: Fireflies around stone statues, Xiangdian Hall, and Zixia Lake, merging history with nature. Best time: 19:45-20:45 (Free after 18:30 via Gate 5) Ticket: ¥70 (Night visit free) Transport: Metro Line 2 to Muxuyuan Station, 15-min walk. 4️⃣ Purple Mountain Observatory·Hidden Gem Highlights: Local favorite with dense fireflies near Seismological Station and Bo'ai Garden trails. Best time: 19:30-21:00 Transport: Metro Line 2 to Zhonglingjie Station, then 40-min uphill hike (no streetlights—go with friends). 5️⃣ Xuanwu Lake Lovers' Garden·Downtown Fireflies Highlights: Sporadic fireflies after 21:00 near Cuizhou Gate waters and wooded paths—perfect for casual encounters. Ticket: Free Transport: Metro Line 1 to Xuanwumen Station, 10-min walk. 6️⃣ Qixia Mountain·Fireflies & Foliage Highlights: Early August fireflies dancing among first autumn leaves near Thousand Buddha Cliff and Sheli Pagoda. Ticket: ¥45 (Night visit requires booking) Transport: Metro Line 2 to NJU Xianlin Campus Station, then 10-min taxi. 📸 Photography Hacks: Smartphone Edition! Gear: Camera + tripod + telephoto lens (70-200mm); phone pro mode (ISO 50-200, 15-30s shutter). Composition: Low-angle grass shots or silhouette portraits against ancient architecture. Editing: VSCO A6 filter for cool tones; Snapseed to brighten firefly dots. ⚠️ Firefly Etiquette: Protect the Magic! 4 DON'Ts: No white flashlights (use red lights/cling film) No insect repellent (wear long sleeves) No catching/noise (fireflies live just 5-7 days) No camera flash (disable phone flash) Eco-rules: Pack out trash, avoid lawns/chemicals. Safety: Wear grippy shoes (Linggu’s wet stones), hike Laoshan in groups, mind last trains (Line 2 ends at 23:00). 🍜 Nearby Eats: Post-Firefly Feast Nanjing Impressions (Zifeng Mall): ¥60/pax—try congee & salted duck. Laomendong Firewood Wontons: Spicy shrimp broth, ¥10/bowl. Kexiang Night Market: Grilled sweet potato skins & "live beads" (dare to try?), ¥20/pax. 🏨 Stays: Fireflies + Relaxation Luxury: Ziqing Lake Hot Spring Hotel (¥1,600/night—private tubs & forest firefly trails). Budget: Linggu Vegetarian Guesthouse (5-min walk, ¥88/meal). Glamping: Laoshan Stargazing Camp (¥300/pax—tents + outdoor movies).