A 35,000-square-foot working flower farm in Hong Kong’s New Territories has become one of the city’s most sought-after seasonal destinations, drawing thousands of visitors each summer to witness fields of 100,000 sunflowers imported from the Netherlands.
Shun Sum Yuen Farm, located in the village of San Tin in Yuen Long, opens its sunflower display from late spring through early autumn, with peak bloom typically occurring in June and July. Owner Leung Yat-shun named the farm by combining “Shun” from his own given name with “Sum,” the Cantonese word for pistil — a nod to his belief that every flower carries one at its core.
“The flowers are fragile; a bloom that opens in the morning can wilt by the same evening if handled carelessly,” farm staff warn visitors, enforcing strict no-touch rules.
Three Rare Sunflower Varieties on Display
While the sea of yellow sunflowers forms the heart of the display, the farm features two other distinct varieties worth seeking out. Champagne-coloured sunflowers grow taller and carry softer, more delicate petals, offering an elegant contrast to the vivid yellow blooms. Red sunflowers are exceedingly rare — in past seasons, only a single red plant has appeared among hundreds of thousands. Unlike other sunflowers, the red variety does not track the sun across the sky and often faces a different direction. Its smaller buds rarely open fully, making it both botanically distinct and visually striking.
The farm rotates its fields to ensure different sections bloom across the season, and staff recommend checking the farm’s latest announcements before visiting.
When to Visit and How to Get There
The sunflower season runs roughly from May through August or September, with the most vibrant fields appearing in June and July. Visitors who arrive in late May may find some flowers already past their prime, while those who wait until late June or July also catch peak blooms of water lilies and lotus in adjacent ponds. Early morning visits on weekdays offer smaller crowds and softer light for photography.
Public transport is strongly recommended. Visitors can take the MTR to Yuen Long station, exit G2, and board Bus 76K for 14 stops to Shek Wu Wai, followed by an eight-minute walk. Driving is discouraged — there is no legal parking in the village, and local residents have expressed frustration with farm visitors. The nearest official parking near San Tin Post Office adds significant walking time.
Admission, Facilities and Practical Tips
Entrance costs HK$50 per person, payable at the gate. Flowers can be viewed from outside the fence for free, but entering the fields requires the fee. A central rest area provides shade, with staff selling cold drinks, snacks, souvenirs, sunflower seed packets, and mosquito repellent. Basic toilets are available, but pathways are partly unpaved and unsuitable for pushchairs or prams.
Farm rules are enforced firmly. Backpacks must be carried in front or left at the rest area. Visitors are prohibited from touching flowers, blocking village lanes, or parking without permission. “The farm’s continued welcome depends in part on not alienating the surrounding community,” staff note.
Photography and Final Recommendations
The farm offers striking photo opportunities, particularly early on clear, sunny mornings when soft light enhances the yellow fields. A wide-brimmed hat provides shade and doubles as a prop. Beyond the main sunflower fields, the champagne sunflowers, lotus pond, and water lilies offer diverse subjects.
Key takeaways for visitors: Bring cash, wear light clothing and closed-toe shoes, apply sunscreen and repellent, take public transport, and check bloom status before arriving. Weekday mornings provide the best experience with smaller crowds and optimal lighting.
As urban Hong Kong expands, Shun Sum Yuen Farm represents a rare pocket of agricultural heritage — one that invites city dwellers to witness the fleeting beauty of a summer field in full flower, while respecting the community that makes it possible.