The rocky desertification in East Yunnan covers a large area and is causing problems for the local economy. By classifying the desertification into three grades, researchers found that the south has a higher degree of desertification. The main causes are fast population growth, land exploitation, and industrial pollution. The rocky desertification is mainly due to natural factors in some areas and human activities in others. Karst stone mountains play a significant role in the genesis of rocky desertification in the region. Control measures need to be tailored to the specific landscape differences observed.