Transparent exopolymer particles (TEP) contribute to carbon export and can represent a significant part of the carbon pool, most notably in eutrophic systems. This study investigates, for the first time, TEP spatial distribution, seasonal variability and contribution to the carbon pool in a highly productive semi-enclosed bay—the Jiaozhou Bay, North China. TEP concentrations ranged from 75.24 to 552.60 μg xanthum gum equivalent (Xeq.) L-1 in the Jiaozhou Bay, which was within the range of values reported in other coastal seas around the world. Spatially, high levels of TEP were always observed in the northeastern and northwestern part of the bay during all four seasons, which was consistent with the distribution pattern of nutrients and Chl a concentrations. Significant positive correlations were observed between TEP and Chl a during spring, summer and fall, suggesting that phytoplankton was the primary source of TEP during these three seasons in the Jiaozhou Bay. N/P values were found to have a significant positive correlation with TEP concentrations in spring and summer, indicating that a P limitation would probably accelerate production and/or formation of TEP in these two seasons. TEP concentrations were highest in summer (mean = 275.05 ± 141.74 μg Xeq. L-1), followed by winter (mean = 209.41 ± 54.81 μg Xeq. L-1) and fall (mean = 179.54 ± 49.37 μg Xeq. L-1), and lowest in spring (mean = 141.55 ± 43.31 μg Xeq. L-1). Resuspension of exopolysaccharide-rich particles from sediments contributed to the relatively high TEP levels in winter. TEP carbon (TEP-C) ranged from 56.43 to 414.45 μg C L-1 in this study, constituting for 26.05 ± 7.68 % of the particulate organic carbon (POC) in the Jiaozhou Bay. This study highlights the fact that TEP-C could represent a significant fraction of the POC pool in the Jiaozhou Bay, and will help to make predictions about biogeochemical and economical effects of TEP in this area.