Located in Ia Gri Village, Bien Ho Commune, about 30km northeast of Pleiku, the extinct volcano is surrounded by green hillsides, farmland and peaceful countryside.
Local resident Ksor A'Mluih said generations of villagers had cultivated sweet potatoes, maize and coffee on the volcanic slopes. Chu Dang Ya was not merely a tourist attraction but also a source of livelihood for local families.
Every year in early November, wild sunflowers burst into bloom, covering the hillsides and roads leading up to the volcano in vivid yellow. The flowers stand out against the surrounding greenery, marking one of the most picturesque times of the year in Gia Lai's Central Highlands.
Local authorities have increasingly incorporated the flowering season into annual cultural and tourism events, turning the area into a popular destination for residents and visitors.
This year, the Gia Lai provincial government is holding the Gong Festival and Wild Sunflower Week at Chu Dang Ya volcano from October 30 to November 8, with activities centred on the communal house in Ia Gri Village.
Visitors can enjoy traditional gong performances, learn brocade weaving and handicrafts, and sample local cuisine.
Kim Hieu, a resident of Pleiku, was among those attending this year's event. She said she returned to Chu Dang Ya every wild sunflower season to take photographs and capture the landscape at its most beautiful.
