GIA LAI — Every November, when the dry season in the Central Highlands region is about to begin, the hundred-year-old tea hills in Gia Lai Province are adorned with blooming cassia flowers.
Cassia trees have been planted among the tea fields about 25km south of Pleiku City, to act as a windbreak. The fallen leaves of these trees can also be a useful natural fertiliser for tea plants.
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| A photographer takes photos of cassia blossoms. — Photo courtesy of Chu Thế Dũng |
In Việt Nam, the cassia tree is known by many other names such as queen cassia, canary or ‘late blooming ochna’. The cassia flower has five bright yellow petals and blooms in large clusters.
From above, the whole tea farm area looks like a giant carpet, mainly of the rich green tea plants, interspersed with bursts of yellow from the blooming cassia flowers.
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| Clusters of cassia flowers decorate the trees with a vivid yellow. — VNA/VNS Photo Hồng Điệp |
Cassia blossoms enliven the natural scenery of the region and have become a familiar image for both locals and tourists.
In recent years, Bầu Cạn tea farm has become a hotspot for people who love the natural beauty of this farm and enjoy visiting to take in the yellow cassia blossoms.
The area also draws photography enthusiasts who want to capture the beauty of the flowers and the natural scenery.
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| A tourist posing for a photo with yellow cassia flowers. — VNA/VNS Photo Hồng Điệp |
Since 2019, a festival dedicated to this flower has been organised by the provincial People’s Committee, attracting thousands of tourists every season.
Aiming to promote local landscape, culture and cuisine, the festival has gathered hundreds of local artisans to perform different types of unique ethnic art. Visiting the event, tourists can enjoy gong performances that have been recognised by UNESCO as Masterpieces of the Intangible Heritage of Humanity.
In addition, the festival has also included several cultural activities that showcase the unique identity of the region such as traditional sports competitions and folk games.
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| Cassia blossoms highlight the natural scenery of Gia Lai Province. — VNA/VNS Photo Hồng Điệp |
Gia Lai Province is one of the largest tea cultivation areas in the region. Activities related to the tea production process have been added to the festival agenda. Tourists can enjoy the tea-picking contest during the festival.
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| Visiting Gia Lai during the Festival of Yellow Cassia Blossoms, tourists can enjoy the tea picking contest. — Photo mia.vn |
Festival goers can also learn about popular agricultural products and specialties of the region that have been presented and are available for sale at the event. — VNS
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