Tourists enjoy the enchanting view of the sea and seagulls at Zhanqiao pier. [Photo/WeChat account: qdweishinan]

Scores of seagulls swooped and soared in the sky above Zhanqiao pier – in the Shinan district of Qingdao city in East China's Shandong province – creating a thrilling autumn aerial spectacle for visitors to the iconic landmark, according to local media reports on Oct 26.

With growing awareness about conservation and the improvements to the ecology and environment of Shinan, Qingdao's seagull population has grown in leaps and bounds in the city, rising from just 2,000 birds at its low to nearly 100,000 at present.  

A snow-white seagull on the wing forages for food. [Photo/WeChat account: qdweishinan]