Based in the study of China's development practices, the CDPR is focused on the evolutionary process of China's planning system and the effects of that process. The CDPR is devoted to scientific research on these issues through the use of planning theory and methodology, in order to offer policy for central and local governments to formulate social and economic development plans. Key research areas include planning theory and methodology research, how to formulate a more scientific form of planning, how to coordinate different planning systems, and how planning may better meet the needs of social and economic development. Another key area is direct participation in the formulation of specific central and local government planning and research on related issues such as economic and social development planning, regional development planning, urban and rural development planning, and key industry planning.

The Center has carried out 10 research projects and established relations with the National Development and Reform Commission, CAS, CASS, the Development Research Center of the State Council, and Peking University, all of which have helped create a solid foundation for the Center.