Two visitors admire the fireflies at Zhoushan's Haishan Park. [Photo/Tide News]

Hundreds of fireflies have turned Haishan Park in Dinghai district, Zhoushan, East China's Zhejiang province, into a nighttime attraction, with tiny flashes of light drifting through the woodland and streams.

The scene has drawn visitors who come to watch the insects quietly light up the darkness, creating what many describe as a "river of stars" in the city park.

Fireflies are considered ecological indicators because they require clean water, dense vegetation, low light pollution, and fresh air to survive. Their return to the park reflects years of ecological improvement efforts, including forest maintenance, improvements to the water environment, and stricter control of nighttime lighting.

As darkness falls, visitors often slow their steps and lower their voices to avoid disturbing the insects.