Hundreds of sea gulls have arrived at the Zhanqiao Pier, a popular seaside scenic spot in Qingdao, Shandong province, to spend the winter.

According to the scenic spot's management staff, this is just the first of sea gulls, as many more are currently en route to Qingdao.

Qingdao boasts a suitable environment for the migrant birds, as the city launched a sea gull protection program more than two decades ago.

Visitors take photos of sea gulls at the Zhanqiao Pier scenic spot in Qingdao, Shandong province on Nov 2. [Photo by Meng Xianpeng/qingdaonews.com]

Sea gulls migrate to Qingdao, Shandong province to spend the winter. [Photo by Meng Xianpeng/qingdaonews.com]

Seagulls circle over the seaside in Qingdao in search of food. [Photo by Meng Xianpeng/qingdaonews.com]

The eastern coastal city of Qingdao, Shandong province welcomes thousands of sea gulls every winter. [Photo by Meng Xianpeng/qingdaonews.com]