A working flower farm tucked away in the New Territories has become one of Hong Kong’s most beloved seasonal destinations, drawing thousands of visitors each summer to witness fields of sunflowers that include an extraordinarily rare red variety found nowhere else in the city.
A Farm Built on Passion
Located in the village of San Tin, Yuen Long district, Shun Sum Yuen Farm spans roughly 35,000 square feet. Owner Leung Yat-shun named the property by combining his given name—“Shun”—with the Cantonese word for pistil, “Sum,” reflecting his belief that every flower holds one at its core. The farm rotates its crops by season, but it was a bold decision to import 100,000 sunflower seeds from the Netherlands that turned the property into a local phenomenon.
Beyond sunflowers, the farm cultivates water lilies, lotus ponds, gladiolus, and, during winter, lilies. Corn and pumpkin grow alongside the blooms, tended largely by a dedicated team of mid-aged women who take visible pride in the plants they nurture.
Three Varieties, One Showstopper
While the sea of yellow sunflowers is the main draw, the farm actually hosts three distinct types, each with a unique character:
The classic yellow sunflower is the most abundant and forms the heart of the display. Visitors should note these blooms tend to be shorter than those found in European fields, so expectations should be adjusted accordingly.
The champagne-coloured sunflower stands out for its soft, delicate hue. It grows tall and blooms generously, offering an elegant counterpoint to the more vibrant yellow varieties.
Most remarkable is the red sunflower—exceedingly rare, with only a single plant appearing in past seasons among hundreds of thousands of blooms. Staff often point it out to visitors when it appears. Botanists note that unlike other sunflowers, the red variety does not track the sun across the sky, meaning it may face a completely different direction from its neighbours. Its buds are smaller and do not fully open, making it visually distinct as well as scientifically intriguing.
The farm opens its fields in rotation, so different sections reach peak bloom at different times across the season. Visitors are advised to check the farm’s latest announcements before planning a trip.
Plan Your Visit
The sunflower season runs from late spring through summer, roughly May to September, with peak blooming typically falling in June and July. Seeds sown up to September grow well, but later plantings struggle. For the fullest fields, aim for June or July. Visiting in late June or July also offers the best chance to see water lilies and lotus at their peak, which bloom a few weeks after the sunflowers begin.
Admission is HK$50 per person, payable at the entrance. Visitors can view the sunflowers from outside the fence for free, but entering the fields requires the fee. The farm provides a central rest area with shade, cold drinks, snacks, and souvenirs including packets of sunflower seeds. Mosquito repellent is also sold on-site.
A weekday morning visit is strongly recommended to avoid crowds and harsh midday light. The farm gets busy, photography can be challenging at peak hours, and the summer heat in the New Territories is significant.
By public transport, 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 strongly discouraged—there is no legal parking in the village, and residents have expressed frustration with farm visitors.
Rules for Preservation
Farm staff enforce rules firmly for good reason: a sunflower that opens in the morning can wilt by evening if handled carelessly. Visitors are instructed not to touch the flowers, to carry backpacks in front of them while walking through fields, and to listen to staff instructions. The farm sits within a working village where residents did not choose to become a tourist attraction. Keeping noise reasonable, not blocking village lanes, and avoiding unauthorised parking are essential to maintaining the farm’s welcome.
The Bigger Picture
Shun Sum Yuen Farm represents a growing trend of agritourism in Hong Kong, where urban residents seek rural escapes and seasonal spectacles. As the city’s green spaces shrink under development pressure, farms like this offer rare access to working agricultural landscapes. The farm’s future depends not only on sustainable farming practices but on respectful visitor behaviour that preserves the delicate balance between tourism and community life.
For photographers, the farm offers a canvas of golden fields, lotus ponds, and water lilies. A clear sunny day with soft morning or late-afternoon light produces the most striking images. A wide-brimmed hat serves double duty as both sun protection and a photogenic accessory.
Practical Tips at a Glance
- Bring cash for entrance fee and refreshments
- Wear light, breathable clothing and sun protection
- Take public transport; parking is effectively unavailable
- Check the farm’s social media 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