Kenya, July 30 -- Over six hectares of vibrant sunflowers and spiny spiderflowers have transformed a scenic area in Liupanshui, Guizhou Province, into a radiant sea of colours, captivating tourists in southwest China's "Cool Capital." The "Liupanshui sunflower fields" in Panzhou City, blooming in full splendour from July to September, have become a must-visit destination, with social media buzzing over their picturesque beauty.
As reported by China Daily, the floral display at Yushe National Park, combined with Liupanshui's cool summer climate averaging 20degC, is driving a tourism surge, with visitors flocking to capture selfies and experience the region's natural and cultural attractions.
The Liupanshui sunflower fields, spanning Yushe National Park in Panzhou, feature over six hectares of golden sunflowers and vibrant spiny spiderflowers, creating a stunning visual spectacle. China Story highlights the area's appeal, noting that the fields, set against the Wumeng Mountains, offer a refreshing escape with summer temperatures of 19-20degC, earning Liupanshui the title "Cool Capital of China."
Tourists, particularly from nearby Guiyang and Chongqing, are drawn to the vibrant blooms, which peak in August and September, coinciding with the Jiucaiping Yi Culture Festival, where visitors can engage in Yi ethnic traditions like torch-lighting and dancing.
The inclusion of spiny spiderflowers, known scientifically as Cleome spinosa, adds a unique dimension to the Liupanshui floral display. These vivid purple and pink blooms, less common than sunflowers, create a striking contrast, enhancing the fields' appeal.
Trip.com notes that the spiny spiderflowers, blooming alongside sunflowers from July to early October, attract photographers and nature enthusiasts. Their resilience in Guizhou's karst landscape makes them a fitting complement to the region's rugged beauty, with visitors sharing vibrant photos on social media. The fields' accessibility via Liupanshui Yuezhao Airport, 15 km from the city centre, boosts tourist arrivals.
Liupanshui's tourism sector is thriving, with the sunflower and spiny spiderflower fields driving a significant influx of visitors in 2025.
TripAdvisor reports a 15% increase in bookings for Liupanshui attractions, including Yushe National Park and the nearby Jiucaiping Scenic Zone, known for its wild Chinese garlic chives and stone forests.
The region's cool climate, multi-ethnic culture (featuring Yi, Miao, and Buyi communities), and karst landscapes make it a year-round destination.
China Discovery emphasises the ease of access via Guizhou's high-speed rail network, connecting Liupanshui to Guiyang in under two hours, making day trips feasible.
Beyond the Liupanshui sunflower fields, tourists are exploring other gems. The Wumeng Grassland, famous for its "Prairie Buddha's Light" optical phenomenon, draws crowds from 4 to 6 p.m. during summer, per Our China Story.
Tuole Village, a 4A-grade scenic area with over 1,200 ancient ginkgo trees, offers a historical contrast, while Qilin Cave Park's underground lake and Danxia Mountain's karst formations captivate adventurers. The Jiucaiping Yi Culture Festival, held in August, features traditional Yi torch activities, enriching the floral tourism experience with cultural immersion.
The floral fields are boosting Liupanshui's economy, with local vendors selling lotus leaf glutinous rice chicken and lamb rice noodles to tourists. Trip.com estimates that Panzhou's tourism revenue rose 12% in 2025, driven by the sunflower and spiderflower fields.
Environmentally, the fields support biodiversity, with spiny spiderflowers attracting pollinators, per ChinaFlowersShop.com. However, concerns about over-tourism persist, with locals urging sustainable practices to protect the delicate ecosystem.
On social media, a fan posted, "Liupanshui sunflower fields are stunning, but let's keep them pristine!" The city's Third Front Construction Museum also draws history buffs, adding depth to the tourism offerings.
Social media campaigns by Chinese tourism boards target African audiences, amplifying the field's global reach.
Despite the tourism boom, challenges remain. Nature.com highlights Liupanshui's lower intangible cultural heritage resources compared to southeast Guizhou, limiting its cultural draw beyond the Yi festival.
Infrastructure strain from tourist surges, especially in Panzhou, raises concerns about traffic and waste management. TripAdvisor reviews mention crowded viewing spots during peak bloom season.
Looking ahead, Liupanshui aims to expand eco-tourism with new trails and sustainable lodging by 2026, per China Discovery. The sunflower and spiny spiderflower fields, paired with the region's cool climate, position Liupanshui as a top summer destination for years to come.
Published by HT Digital Content Services with permission from Bana Kenya.