A seminar themed on smart growth in cities was held on March 12, 2013, at the Development Research Center of the State Council. The seminar was hosted by Hou Yongzhi, director-general of the Department of Development Strategy and Regional Economy.

Professor Liang Henian, dean of the School of Urban and Regional Planning at Canada's Queen's University, gave a keynote speech. More than 20 people with the DRC attended the seminar.

Professor Liang introduced the concept of "smart growth in cities" and elaborated on the 10 principles of "smart growth."