An unexpected natural wonder draws crowds, turning the historic landmark into a showcase for urban biodiversity.
Zhanqiao Pier, long famous for sightseeing, seagull feeding, tide pooling, and its iconic "Chocolate Uncles" (a group of local elderly, dark-skinned divers), now has a new must-see attraction: watching massive schools of fish swirl through its waters. Recently, large shoals of fish, each big enough for a dinner plate, have appeared around the pier. Videos captured by locals quickly went viral on social media, sparking widespread fascination and drawing crowds of residents and tourists to the waterfront.
The fish school attracts tourists who stop to admire it.
According to a popular science communicator, the fish are primarily redeye mullet, though some flathead grey mullet may be mixed in. While these species typically inhabit the seabed, the reason for their sudden gathering near the surface remains unclear, with speculation pointing to an abundance of food from people feeding the seagulls.
Autumn Brings an Unexpected Aquatic Display
On a beautiful autumn day, the bustling Zhanqiao Pier presents a classic Qingdao panorama. Near the iconic Huilan Pavilion, however, visitors' gazes have shifted from the horizon to the water below. Dozens of large, dark-grey fish glide in unison before scattering in a flash of shimmering ripples—a captivating display of wild nature in the heart of the city.
A school of fish playing.
"So many fish!" a visitor exclaimed. "I've never seen anything like this here at this time of year."
The phenomenon first gained attention after a video was posted by a Qingdao netizen named "Yu Yiding." When some viewers dismissed it as clickbait, he filmed a new, uncut video to confirm the scene was real.
Chen Wenliang, one of the "Chocolate Uncles", confirmed the sight is unusual. "These fish showed up in early October," he said. "We've never seen so many, or ones this big, in previous years." Their sheer size—with even the smallest estimated at 30 centimeters—amazed locals accustomed to the region's marine life.
A Shared Beauty, A Shared Responsibility
In recent years, social media has rebranded Zhanqiao Pier from a mere landmark to an "ecological treasure trove." Viral videos have shown buckets overflowing with clams and swarms of crabs, showcasing the area's rich biodiversity. Wang Wanbo, the head of the Zhanqiao Pier scenic area, confirmed this trend, noting that fish like sand lance and needlefish are also appearing more frequently and in larger numbers.
"Our absolute priority is maintaining a clean environment," Wang stated, explaining that daily clean-up operations are crucial for protecting marine habitats.
This natural bounty is also the result of sustained ecological restoration. Qingdao has cracked down on illegal sewage discharge and, critically, has invested heavily in restoring seagrass beds in Qingdao Bay. These underwater meadows serve as vital nurseries, feeding grounds, and shelters for marine life.
Facing this unexpected "ecological gift," Wang welcomes everyone to enjoy the spectacle but adds a crucial reminder. "Sharing this beauty requires a joint effort to protect it," he urged. He advises the public to refrain from littering, overfeeding wildlife, or engaging in illegal fishing, ensuring this vibrant scene can endure as a testament to the harmony between humanity and nature in Qingdao.
(By Zhang Yan, Qingdao Evening News / Guanhai News)
Editor: Yuan Ruichen
