[Video provided by Chongming district government]

Eighteen years ago, Scott Miller, a US citizen, first set foot on Shanghai's Chongming Island. This summer marks his 17th visit, once again drawn to the wetlands and the egrets he calls friends.

After graduating and leaving Shanghai, Miller later returned with a deeper connection to the city. He developed friendships with locals and witnessed Chongming transform from a remote island to a tranquil ecological paradise.

On his latest visit, he explores Chongming, cooks local cuisine, learns the local dialect, photographs egrets on a boat, and immerses himself in the island's enchanting natural beauty.

Source: Chongming district government