Deep in the New Territories, a 35,000-square-foot farm in the village of San Tin has transformed into one of Hong Kong’s most photographed seasonal destinations. Shun Sum Yuen Farm, owned by Leung Yat-shun, is drawing thousands of visitors this summer with a carefully cultivated display of sunflowers, planted from 100,000 seeds imported from the Netherlands. The farm, located in Yuen Long district, offers a rare pastoral escape from the city, but its popularity also raises questions about how rural communities manage tourism.
Leung named the farm to reflect his personal connection to the land. “Shun” comes from his given name, while “Sum” is the Cantonese word for pistil, a nod to his belief that every flower holds one at its center. The property rotates crops by season, but the summer sunflower fields have become its signature draw. In addition to the yellow blooms, the farm cultivates water lilies, lotus ponds, gladiolus, and winter lilies. Edible crops, including corn and pumpkin, grow alongside the flowers, tended largely by a team of mid-aged women who take pride in the results.
Three Varieties of Sunflowers, Including a Rare Red Bloom
The main attraction is a sea of yellow sunflowers, but visitors who look closely will notice more variety. Three distinct types are planted across the fields. The most abundant are classic yellow sunflowers, though they tend to be shorter than European varieties. A champagne-colored variety stands out for its tall stems and soft, elegant petals, offering a subtle contrast. The rarest is a red sunflower, of which only a single plant appeared in past seasons. Unlike other sunflowers, it does not track the sun across the sky and produces smaller buds that do not fully open.
To manage the blooming cycle, the farm opens fields in rotation. Visitors are advised to check the farm’s latest announcements to find out which section is at its peak.
Peak Season Runs Through June and July
The sunflower season typically runs from May through August or September, with peak blooms in June and July. The farm recommends visiting in June or July for the fullest fields. Water lilies and lotus reach their peak a few weeks after the sunflowers, so late June or July offers the best chance of seeing both. Early morning visits are strongly encouraged to avoid crowds and the intense midday heat.
Getting There and What to Expect On-Site
Public transport is the recommended option. Visitors can take the MTR to Yuen Long station, then board Bus 76K for 14 stops to Shek Wu Wai, followed by an eight-minute walk. Driving is discouraged due to a lack of legal parking and local resident concerns. Admission is HK$50 per person, though the fields are visible from outside the fence at no charge.
On-site, a central rest area provides shade. Staff sell cold drinks, snacks, souvenirs, and mosquito repellent. Toilets are available but basic. Pathways are partly unpaved and not well suited for pushchairs.
Rules for Respectful Visits
Farm staff enforce rules firmly, as sunflowers are fragile and can wilt within hours of being handled. Visitors are not allowed to touch the flowers. Backpacks must be carried in front or left at the rest area. Guests are asked to keep noise levels reasonable and avoid blocking village lanes. The farm sits within a working village, and its continued operation depends on maintaining good relations with residents.
Practical Advice for Photographers
Early morning visits on weekdays offer the best light and smallest crowds. A clear sky enhances the yellow fields, but midday sunlight is harsh. The champagne sunflowers, lotus pond, and water lilies provide variety beyond the main fields.
Broader Significance
Shun Sum Yuen Farm illustrates a growing trend in Hong Kong: rural destinations attracting urban crowds seeking nature. For the farm, success hinges on balancing visitor access with the needs of a working agricultural community. Visitors who follow etiquette and respect the land help ensure the fields remain open for seasons to come.