With 49 bays, 882.92 kilometers of coastline, and 120 islands, the sea has long been Qingdao's greatest natural asset. However, land and sea were managed separately for a long time, leading to polluted runoffs, disorganized shorelines, and limited access to the coast. Now, through a coordinated land-sea approach, Qingdao is systematically addressing pollution, restoring ecosystems, and turning coastal areas into shared public spaces.

At a press conference on May 14, the city reported that the proportion of nearshore waters with excellent water quality has remained above 99 percent. Lingshan Bay, Laoshan Bay, and the East Coast Front Bay have been recognized as national or provincial beautiful bays. The city aims to transform all 49 bays into beautiful bays by the end of the 15th Five-Year Plan period (2026–30).

Consider Licun River as an example — once a polluted area, it has been turned into a clear water corridor through a renovation costing over 1 billion yuan ($145 million) renovation. Longtime residents remember that they could not open their windows in summer; now they enjoy the birds and flowers by the riverside.

Qingdao has also cleaned all sewage outfalls, upgraded nearly 50 km of combined sewer systems, and achieved 100 percent harmless treatment of household waste, eliminating pollution at its source.

As a result, water quality in Laoshan Bay and the East Coast Front Bay has been at 100 percent excellent for seven consecutive years. By using a tailored strategy for each bay, Qingdao will next address areas such as Dingzi Bay and Jiaozhou Bay, to achieve a complete, beautiful bay transformation by 2030 — a model of harmony between people and the sea.

With 49 bays, 882.92 kilometers of coastline, and 120 islands, the sea shapes Qingdao's most distinctive urban character. [Photo/WeChat account: qd12301]