The article reviews desertification in Hunshandake Sandy Land over the past 30 years. Different views on desertification processes exist due to varied research methods and assessment criteria. Combining remote sensing and field investigations is crucial to understand sandy land ecology. Desertification in the region results from human activities and climate change interactions. Uncertainties in studies cause confusion about the causes of desertification. Global warming may worsen desertification in the future. Improving accuracy in assessing dune activity is a significant challenge for scientists.