Abstract: The theory of smart growth is widely used in urbanized areas, but the discussion on the vast rural areas is slightly insufficient. Therefore, this paper reviews the origin and main content of smart growth, combs out the exploration and progress of rural smart growth, and makes a comparative analysis on the aspects of background, objectives, connotation and value of smart growth and rural revitalization, believing that the two are complementary in the context of the new era. In addition, it discusses the issues of cultivated land protection, land intensive and employment coordination of rural revitalization. It is believed that smart growth theory can be used to guide the implementation of rural revitalization strategy, provide ideas and methods for the practice of rural revitalization, and effectively guide the practical village planning to a certain stage.