The Chinese Academy of Social Sciences says it expects the country's economic growth to pick up in 2013.

The world's second-largest economy will see a mild pick up in 2013 amid sluggish external demand.

According to a report from the Center for Forecasting Science at the country's top think tank, China's economy will expand by 8.4 percent this year.

However, experts say China's strict property curbs and economic restructuring will affect the rebound in growth.

Chen Xikang, researcher of CASS, said, "China's economic recovery is expected to pick up slowly. As the growth in the fourth quarter of 2012 was low, so the base number for 2013 is relatively low. The growth rate in 2013 is estimated to accelerate first, and gradually draw back before picking up again at the end of the year."

The report also shows the consumer price index in 2013, a main gauge of inflation, will expand by 3.5% year on year, higher than last year.

Experts say the recovery of domestic demand is the main driver behind rising prices.

Yang said, "We predict in the next few years, China's export enterprises will turn their attention to the domestic market, which will make consumption at home a driving force. "

The government's macro-control policies worked last year, while experts say housing prices will continue to rise in major cities.

Dong Jichang, researcher of CASS, said, "We estimate 7.6% growth in 2013. The figure is based on the situation in major cities. While in third- and fourth-tier cities, house prices are relatively stable."

On a quarterly basis, the growth rate is expected to first rise then fall as the conflict between supply and demand is unresolved.

Experts also say with continuing rising prices in major cities, purchase restrictions will not be lifted for a time.

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