Cao Xiaomao is an established scholar in the field of architecture and design research. With a wide-ranging practice that spans from architecture to interior design, he has also contributed to the domains of urban regeneration and rural revitalisation. In addition to his spatial practice, he has established himself as an authority on the study of built heritage in both urban and rural China. His research and practical works have been published in several domestic journals and have been showcased at prestigious events such as the Venice Biennale and the Beijing Design Week.