On the basis of the characteristics of cold altiplano,and site type division of returning cropland to forest of the shallow loess hill areas in Datong County,Qinghai Province,the development thinking of returing cropland to forest and green ecology industry combination,returing cropland to forest and land rational use combination,and returing cropland to forest and raising farmer economy benefits combination were presented. According to the above,forest type,tree( grass) species and comprehensive control patterns were optimizedly collocated,and the patterns of returing cropland to forest and afforestation techniques in shallow loess hill areas of cold altiplano were found.This results could provide techniques foundation for this area and other similar areas.