Winter low tide draws crowds for coastal foraging in Qingdao WCNA

On Dec 21, 2025, the arrival of the Winter Solstice — the traditional start of the deep winter season — brought more than just a chill to the Qingdao West Coast New Area. In Tangdao Bay, an astronomical low tide transformed the shoreline into a vast, gift-bearing landscape, sparking a massive "sea-catching" frenzy among locals and tourists.

Despite the biting cold of the mid-winter season, hundreds gathered on the exposed mudflats and sandy stretches. Armed with buckets and specialized tools, they scavenged for the bounty left by the receding waters. The harvest featured a diverse array of seafood including oysters, clams, sea snails, and even the occasional octopus. For many residents, this traditional activity is as much about the thrill of the hunt as it is about securing fresh ingredients for a winter feast.

The human activity is mirrored by nature, as flocks of seabirds descend upon the mudflats to forage alongside the beach. [Photo/IC]

The rhythmic sight of crowds moving across the tide-washed flats creates a unique landscape of human vitality against the wintry backdrop of the bay. [Photo/IC]

Beyond the active foragers, many visitors are drawn to the bay simply to witness the impressive scene. [Photo/IC]