This paper first briefly reviews the research on community development both in China and abroad，and highlights the significance and value of community building. Through the recent research and planning projects of the International Planning Research Studio of China Academy of Urban Planning and Design，this paper highlights several attempts at community-based planning.“Community in Transition” focuses on the way planners can，by engaging in urban community planning，find appropriate decision-making mechanisms and methods，search for solutions to enhance social cohesion，and improve the capacity of a community to cope with change in a market economy and under conditions of rapid urbanization.“Sino-Singapore Tianjin Eco-city-Topic on Community Research”，supported by the master plan of the new town，makes detailed planning requirements of urban community development.“Suzhou General Urban Design-Topic on Community Research”，within a framework of general urban design，makes significant efforts on content，methodology and public involvement during the process of urban renewal，from both macro and micro perspectives. “Research on Opinions on Site-Selection in Beichuan’s Reconstruction”and“Investigation of the Social Work Group of‘Beichuan New Town’s Post-Disaster Reconstruction Master Plan’”，attempts to apply social surveys and public involvement into urban planning and design，under the urgent demands of post-disaster reconstruction.In conclusion，this paper points out some key issues worth exploring in future research on community-based urban planning.