"Only sunflowers turn their heads toward the sun." As Song Dynasty poet Si Maguang (1019-1086) put it, sunflowers by the banks of the Liangshui River open their smiling faces joyfully in the middle of September.

A view of sunflowers in Beijing E-Town [Photo/beijingetown.com.cn]

After a refreshing autumn rain, they appear even more charming and brilliant. 

A view of sunflowers in Beijing E-Town [Photo/beijingetown.com.cn]

The sunflower "bouquets" that were supposed to bloom during the National Day holiday have arrived early, bringing surprises and vitality to visitors.

A view of sunflowers in Beijing E-Town [Photo/beijingetown.com.cn]

At Sanhaizi Bridge and besides the E-Town Binhe Forest Park, sunflowers raise their faces towards the sun, attracting the attention of passersby with their bright yellow petals and causing them to slow their steps.

"A few days ago, I noticed that the sunflowers were gradually blooming. It feels like sunflowers are blooming earlier this year compared to previous years," said Mr. Chen, a photography enthusiast who lives near the park. He has visited the park three times in just a few days since the "early bloom" began.

"Due to the suitable sunlight and temperature this year, along with ample water and nutrients, the sunflowers, which were expected to bloom during the National Day holiday, have bloomed in a large area ahead of schedule," explained the park's relevant authority. 

In recent years, the park has been planting sunflowers in both summer and autumn, and this sunflower belt, stretching 18 kilometers and covering an area of 25 hectares, extends from South Fifth Ring Road to Tongming Lake Park. The early appearance of sunflowers this year is a festival gift from nature to residents of Beijing E-Town.

A view of sunflowers in Beijing E-Town [Photo/beijingetown.com.cn]

It is worth mentioning that in the early days of the park's construction, the staff aimed to create this flower belt with the motto "flowers in three seasons, scenery in four seasons." They planted cole flowers in spring and sunflowers in summer and autumn, and created woodland landscapes in winter. Today, this place has truly become a popular tourist destination.

It is expected that sunflowers will be in full bloom in late September, and the flowering period will last until the end of October.