As we prepare to applaud 2019 Lishui Ultramarathon runners on March 31, here is a look at one of the most scenic parts of the route – the Jiulong Wetlands Park of Lishui, Zhejiang Province.

The park is going viral online recently for the natural “light show” put on by thousands of fireflies. Dancing, whirling and illuminating, the cute creatures show up earlier than in the previous year, getting the place twinkling in the evening. Such large numbers of fireflies emitting bio-luminescent glow all at once are rare to see in the province. 

Fireflies are extremely sensitive to environmental conditions, and can only thrive in healthy habitats where water quality is good. This makes the insect a good environmental indicator, which is how scientists can assess ecosystem health.

The gathering of fireflies in an area signaling that the water is free from toxic chemicals, the landscape is diverse enough to support different life stages of fireflies, and there is minimal light pollution to disrupt the faint light signals produced by the insects.

Each spring in Jiulong Wetlands Park, synchronous fireflies will put on a romantic show for the locals. This is an invitation of nature to people. It is ready to welcome world runners to unfold something incredible in Lishui…