Sunflowers, known for "following" the sun, are thriving in fields across China, creating stunning scenery for admiring tourists.

Native to North and Central America, the flowers usually bloom from July to August. Besides their beauty, their seeds are used for oil extraction and are popular snacks in China.

Many people believe that sunflowers chase the sun because they want to absorb more sunlight. However, scientific theory suggests that the behavior is a result of their hormones called auxins. Sensitive to the sunlight, these hormones naturally seek shade and hide in the stem area. As they can stimulate the growth of the cells, the stems become bulkier in the back region, bending the flower towards the sun.

Nevertheless, sunflowers remain the symbol of adoration, loyalty and longevity, generating positive energy to many people.

(Cover image: A sunflower "wears" a pair of glasses in northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, July 25, 2019. /VCG Photo )

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