Caoyang Community is the first New Residential Quarters of Workers after the establishment of People’s Republic of China. The project started in 1951 and completed in 1952. With its history of seven decades, it has unique social and cultural significances. Caoyang Community, planned and constructed as a whole unit, preludes the concept of “15-minute Community Life Circle”. When it was built, Caoyang Community was the first full-fledged large residential area constructed according to the modern theory of neighborhood unit in China, and was actually quite forward-looking and pioneering. Its size was determined based on the idea that public services, which constitute a three-tier amenity system, should be available to the residents within 600m from the center of the community. Schools, cinema and shopping malls were planned and constructed so that residents would have access to relaxation, medical care and shopping within 10 minutes’ walk. Caoyang Community was planned with both ecology and landscape in mind, surrounded by a ring of blues and greens which added comfort and elegance to the space. The dense network of winding lanes represents the core of neighborhood unit theory and has profound influences on the residential quarters construction in People’s Republic of China.

The SUSAS exhibition “Happy Caoyang”, centering around First Caoyang Village and extending to the Beautiful Road Pilot Projects along Huaxi Road, Fengqiao Road and Tangpu Road, introduces visitors to a host of unique experiences: historical sites, local business, community services, health and leisure, culture and boulevard. The primary tour which connects Centennial Park, Centennial Service Station, Historical Museum of Caoyang New Village, Caoyang Community Cultural Center, Guixiang Guixiang Market, Stories of First Caoyang Village, Ring River of Caoyang, Caoyang Community Center – Wuning Section, nine characteristic sites of Shanghai Open University Putuo Campus and one public artwork, shows the happy life scenarios of Caoyang Community which is suitable for living, working, outing, studying and elderly care.