Bohai

Bohai, rendered in Chinese as Bohai Sea (渤海), commonly refers to a marginal sea of the Yellow Sea located off the northern coast of China. It is bordered by Liaoning Province to the north and west, Hebei and Tianjin to the south, and Shandong Province to the east. The Bohai Sea connects to the Yellow Sea through the Bohai Strait in the northeast and is flanked by the Liaodong and Shandong peninsulas.

Geographically, the Bohai is relatively shallow compared with open oceans, with a coastline shaped by tides, sedimentation, and river inputs. It receives significant freshwater from major rivers such as the Hai He (Hai River) and Liao He, which influence water circulation, salinity, and ecological conditions. The gulf hosts extensive mudflats and estuarine habitats that support various fish and bird communities.

Economically, the Bohai region is a major hub of activity. It encompasses important ports such as Tianjin, Qingdao, and Dalian, which handle cargo, LNG, and petroleum traffic. Offshore oil and natural gas fields lie in nearby marine areas, contributing to China’s energy production. The coast also supports commercial fisheries and a regional industrial base, including petrochemical and manufacturing facilities.

Environmentally, the Bohai Sea faces pressures from industrial discharge, oil and gas development, and overfishing, leading to pollution, eutrophication, and habitat degradation in parts of the gulf. Efforts by national and local authorities focus on pollution control, habitat protection, and sustainable fisheries to address these challenges.

Historically, the term Bohai also names Balhae (Balhae/Bohae), a medieval state established around 698 CE in parts of the northern Korean Peninsula and Manchuria. The Chinese name 渤海 is used in reference to both the sea and this historic realm.