This is the moment beachgoers removed a large mass of seaweed from a popular holiday destination in China.

Footage shows adults and children piling thick algae scattered along the shore and in the water at Qingdao, Shandong.

They can be seen gathering the aquatic plants on dry land while other families swim and enjoy the waves on July 13.

Local media reported that more than 400 tons (approximately 363,000 kg) of seaweed were collected in a single day by authorities.

On July 15, a spokesperson from the Qingdao City Appearance and Landscape Management Office said that the nine main bathing beaches in the city will continue to experience seaweed accumulation in the near future.

'The amount of seaweed is manageable, and we are working as quickly as possible to clean it up. While we expect little to remain on the beaches soon, there is still a possibility more may wash ashore again.

'More than 10 years ago, Qingdao also experienced seaweed blooms mainly caused by eutrophication of the seawater.

'Cleaning up the seaweed requires significant manpower and resources each year. Inevitably, some sand is removed during cleanup, but the beaches will be replenished as needed.'

Authorities explained that the green tide in the Yellow Sea crossed near Qianliyan Island and entered Qingdao's waters.

Professor Wang Kai from the School of Fisheries at Ludong University said: 'Since 2007, periodic outbreaks of seaweed in the Yellow Sea have occurred annually. The main cause is an imbalance in the marine ecosystem, largely driven by eutrophication of seawater.

'The area is prone to blooms due to its geography, climate, currents, and wind patterns. Similar outbreaks have been observed along the southern coast of the Yellow Sea, including shoals in northern Jiangsu, where a lack of natural biological controls has led to large-scale eruptions.'

Large amounts of algae often wash ashore due to seasonal blooms, warmer water temperatures, and strong winds or currents pushing them onto beaches.

These green algae blooms are generally not toxic to humans, but they can disrupt local ecosystems if left unremoved.