Birdwatchers in Qingdao have reached a clear consensus in recent years: the coastal environment is improving, and the number of seagulls migrating to the city for winter is increasing. Their habitats have expanded beyond popular waterfront spots like Zhanqiao Pier and May Fourth Square to include coastal areas such as Jiaozhou and Aoshan bays.

In Qingdao — a city with 49 bays, a coastline stretching 882.92 kilometers, and 120 islands — such recognition from nature is becoming increasingly common.

In recent years, the city has balanced development with protection, implemented coordinated land-sea management, and promoted precise governance, focusing on building "beautiful bays" to foster a greener and more sustainable marine environment.

Currently, over 99 percent of Qingdao's nearshore waters maintain good quality, turning its beautiful bays — with clear waters, clean beaches, thriving species, and harmony with people — into a vibrant "urban living room" where residents and visitors can engage with the ocean.

Even during the traditional tourism off-season, Qingdao's coastline comes alive with the arrival of large flocks of overwintering seagulls. At Zhanqiao Pier, thousands of gulls interact with visitors, while along Aoshan Bay in eastern Jimo district, massive gatherings of birds create spectacular "bird wave" phenomena.

In recent years, Qingdao has improved bay protection through comprehensive measures such as bay restoration, ecological rehabilitation, and the conversion of aquaculture zones back to natural sea areas, making scenes of fish and birds flourishing increasingly common.

Currently, over 99 percent of Qingdao's nearshore waters maintain good quality, turning its beautiful bays  into a vibrant "urban living room" where residents and visitors can engage with the ocean.. [Photo/Guanhai News]