Lishui's Liandu district meteorological bureau released the nation's first local standard for firefly viewing, known as the "Firefly Viewing Index Evaluation Standard", on Dec 16. This technical specification will be implemented on Jan 15, 2025.

Based on years of observational data from meteorological stations near Jiulong National Wetland Park, the primary habitat for fireflies in Liandu, the standard establishes a viewing index algorithm by analyzing the relationship between meteorological factors and firefly activity and considering variables such as the size of firefly populations during viewing periods, human comfort, ambient light, and precipitation. The standard also defines the grading criteria for publishing the viewing index.

Additionally, the standard provides a professional and standardized reference for meteorological services related to firefly landscapes, as well as guidance for the public in their viewing activities.

A composite image of fireflies in Jiulong National Wetland Park. [Photo/Tide News]

"Jiulong National Wetland Park's fireflies are a highlight of Liandu tourism. This standard will make firefly viewing more scientific and instructive, attracting more visitors to Liandu for a better viewing experience," said Lyu Weixiang, director of the Liandu district meteorological station.

The creation of this standard fills a technical gap in domestic firefly viewing condition assessments. It represents a concrete achievement of the Liandu district meteorological bureau's efforts to integrate meteorology with cultural tourism.