In 1971, the couple returned to China and worked at the Purple Mountain Observatory in Nanjing.
Caipin published many articles in the field of astronomy, most of which were written in collaboration with her husband.
In 1981, Caipin began her political career when she was appointed as the first president of the council of the All-China Federation of Taiwan Compatriots.
The aim of this role was to serve as a liaison between the Chinese mainland and Taiwan in order to improve relations.
She also played a key role in the development and passing of the Civil Servant Law of the People's Republic of China[citation needed].