THE PERFECT PLACE TO PREPARE FOR A REVOLUTION

Conditions in early 20th century Shanghai helped lay the ground for change and the foundation of New China

Wrapping a red scarf around his neck, 10-year-old Li Shiran stood in front of a two-story shikumen building－a traditional style featuring Western and Chinese elements－in downtown Shanghai's Xintiandi area and explained the site's history.

"The house behind me is the place that hosted the First National Congress of the Communist Party of China," said Li, as his father filmed the process.

Like many of his youthful peers, Li, a member of the Young Pioneers of China, the CPC's children's wing, has been busy putting together a school project to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the CPC's founding.