A family-owned flower farm tucked away in Hong Kong’s rural New Territories has become an unlikely seasonal destination, drawing crowds each summer to a sea of 100,000 Dutch-imported sunflowers. Shun Sum Yuen Farm, a 35,000-square-foot working property in the village of San Tin, Yuen Long district, opens its gates from roughly May through September, offering visitors the chance to walk among three distinct varieties of sunflowers alongside lotus ponds, water lilies, and edible crops.
Behind the Blooms: A Farmer’s Philosophy
Owner Leung Yat-shun named the farm by combining the Cantonese word for pistil — “sum” — with his own given name, reflecting his belief that every flower holds a pistil at its center. The farm rotates its crops seasonally, but the summer sunflower spectacle has cemented its reputation. Leung imported 100,000 seeds from the Netherlands to fill the fields, a gamble that paid off as word spread. A dedicated team of mid-aged farm women tends both flowers and edible crops such as corn and pumpkin, taking visible pride in the blooms they nurture.
Three Varieties Steal the Show
Beyond the sprawling yellow fields, the farm offers surprises for attentive visitors. Three distinct types of sunflower are grown:
- Yellow sunflowers dominate the display with classic, bold blooms, though they tend to grow shorter than European varieties.
- Champagne-coloured sunflowers rise taller and carry softer, delicate petals that offer an elegant contrast to the vivid yellow backdrop.
- Red sunflowers are exceedingly rare. In past seasons, only a single plant has appeared among hundreds of thousands. Unlike other sunflowers, the red variety does not track the sun across the sky and produces smaller buds that may not fully open.
The farm opens its fields in rotation, so different sections bloom at different times. Managers advise checking the latest announcements before visiting to ensure the best view.
When and How to Visit
Peak bloom typically occurs in June and July, though seeds planted through September can still grow well. Early morning visits on weekdays offer the best experience; crowds swell on weekends, and the midday summer heat in the New Territories can be punishing.
Public transport is strongly recommended. Visitors can take the MTR to Yuen Long station, board Bus 76K, ride 14 stops to Shek Wu Wai, and walk about eight minutes to the farm. Driving is discouraged — there is no legal parking, and villagers have resisted the influx of tourist vehicles.
Admission and Etiquette
The entrance fee is HK$50 per person, payable at the gate. Viewing the fields from outside the fence is free, but entering requires payment. Inside, a shaded rest area sells cold drinks, snacks, and souvenirs including packets of sunflower seeds. Mosquito repellent is available on-site. Toilets are basic, and pathways are partly unpaved, making them difficult for strollers.
Farm staff enforce rules firmly. Visitors are asked not to touch the flowers, as petals can wilt within hours if handled. Backpacks must be carried in front or left at the rest area to avoid damaging blooms. The farm sits within a working village whose residents did not choose to become a tourist attraction, so visitors are urged to keep noise levels reasonable, avoid blocking lanes, and park only with permission.
A Photographer’s Destination — With Caveats
The yellow fields produce striking images under a clear blue sky, but the harsh midday light can flatten colors and create unflattering shadows. Late afternoon or early morning light is kinder. A wide-brimmed hat doubles as sun protection and a prop.
For variety, photographers should explore the champagne-coloured sunflowers, the lotus pond, and the water lilies rather than crowding the main field.
Practical Takeaways
- Bring cash for admission and refreshments; cards are not widely accepted.
- Wear light, breathable clothing, closed-toe shoes, and sunscreen.
- Apply or purchase mosquito repellent on arrival.
- Take public transport; parking is effectively unavailable.
- Confirm which fields are in bloom via social media before setting out.
- Visit on a weekday morning for smaller crowds and better light.
Broader Impact
Shun Sum Yuen Farm illustrates the growing tension between rural agricultural life and urban tourism in Hong Kong. Its popularity brings economic benefits but also strains the surrounding community. The farm’s continued welcome hinges on visitors respecting that the village remains a home first and a destination second. For those willing to follow the rules, the reward is one of Hong Kong’s most unexpected and photogenic seasonal spectacles.