Desertification in the source area of Yangtze River is discussed in the paper. Under the conditions of the cold climate and permafrost, the freeze–thaw processes have significant effects on the different kinds of desertification. The classification, distribution, development, formation and control measurements of desertification in the source area are in particular compared with other desertified regions in east China. Furthermore, suggestions for desertification research and control in the source area are put forward. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.