Livestock grazing in Chinese grasslands affects soil health and carbon stocks. Light grazing is best for desert and typical steppes, while medium grazing is optimal for meadow and alpine steppes. Plant biomass and soil carbon increase with light or medium grazing. Heavy grazing decreases all carbon stocks. Proper grazing can maintain or increase carbon stocks, but overgrazing leads to degradation and carbon loss. Grazing intensity and duration should match specific grassland characteristics for stable productivity and carbon impacts.