YUEN LONG, Hong Kong — Tucked inside the village of San Tin in the New Territories, Shun Sum Yuen Farm has transformed a 35,000-square-foot plot into one of Hong Kong’s most anticipated seasonal attractions. Owner Leung Yat-shun imported 100,000 sunflower seeds from the Netherlands to create a sea of yellow, champagne, and rare red blooms that draws thousands of visitors from May through September.
The farm, whose name combines Leung’s given name “Shun” with the Cantonese word for pistil (“Sum”), reflects his philosophy that every flower holds a heart at its center. But it is the summer sunflower display that has placed this working farm on the map. Beyond the sunflowers, the property also features water lilies, lotus ponds, gladiolus, and winter lilies, alongside edible crops such as corn and pumpkin tended by a dedicated team of mid-aged local women.
Three Distinct Sunflower Varieties
The main attraction is the sunflower field, but variety runs deeper than a single yellow blanket. The farm grows three distinct types:
- Yellow sunflowers – The classic, bold blooms that dominate the display. Visitors should note these tend to grow shorter than European sunflower fields.
- Champagne-coloured sunflowers – A standout for their soft, delicate hue, these grow tall and bloom generously, offering an elegant contrast.
- Red sunflowers – Extremely rare; in past seasons only a single plant has appeared among hundreds of thousands. Unlike other sunflowers, this variety does not track the sun and carries smaller buds that often fail to fully open, making it both botanically and visually distinct.
The farm rotates which fields are open, so different sections bloom at different times. Visitors are encouraged to check the farm’s latest announcements before visiting.
Best Time to Visit
The sunflower season runs roughly from late spring through summer, with the peak blooming period in June and July. Seeds sown up until September will grow, but later plantings struggle. For those hoping to see both sunflowers and water lilies or lotus in full bloom, late June or July offers the best overlap.
Early morning visits are strongly recommended. Crowds build quickly, the summer heat in the New Territories can be intense, and midday light proves harsh for photography.
Getting There and On-Site Facilities
Public transport is the preferred option. Visitors can take the MTR to Yuen Long station, exit G2, board Bus 76K for 14 stops to Shek Wu Wai, then walk about eight minutes to the farm. Driving is strongly discouraged; there is no legal parking in the village, and local residents have expressed concerns about visitor traffic.
Admission costs HK$50 per person, payable at the entrance. Viewing the sunflowers from outside the fence is free, but entering the fields requires the fee. Inside, a shaded rest area offers cold drinks, snacks, and souvenirs including sunflower seed packets. Mosquito repellent is available for purchase. Toilets are basic, and the partly unpaved pathways are not well suited to pushchairs.
Strict Rules Protect Fragile Blooms
Farm staff enforce rules firmly for good reason. A flower that opens in the morning can wilt by evening if handled carelessly. Visitors are prohibited from touching the flowers, must carry backpacks in front or leave them at the rest area, and are expected to follow staff instructions immediately.
The farm sits within a working village whose residents did not choose to become a tourist destination. Visitors are asked to keep noise reasonable, avoid blocking village lanes, and never park without permission. The farm’s continued welcome depends on maintaining good relations with the surrounding community.
Photography Tips for the Perfect Shot
The farm is a photographer’s destination, but crowds make early weekday morning visits essential for quieter shots. A clear, sunny day with blue sky above yellow fields produces striking images, though the soft light of morning or late afternoon is kinder to flowers and faces alike. A wide-brimmed hat serves as both shade and a photogenic prop. Beyond the main yellow fields, the champagne sunflowers, lotus pond, and water lilies offer variety worth exploring.
Practical Takeaways for Visitors
- Bring cash for admission and refreshments.
- Wear light, breathable clothing and sun protection.
- Carry or buy mosquito repellent on-site.
- Take public transport; parking is effectively unavailable.
- Check social media or local listings before visiting to confirm which fields are in bloom.
- Visit on a weekday morning for smaller crowds and better light.
- Do not touch the flowers under any circumstances.
- Comfortable, closed-toe shoes are advisable on unpaved paths.
As Hong Kong’s urban landscape continues to expand, farms like Shun Sum Yuen offer rare refuge—a living reminder that even in a dense city, a field of sunflowers can still take root.