[Objective] Rocky desertification is an most important environmental problem that restricts the economic and social development of the karst area in Southwest China. The status and characteristics of ecological management of rocky desertification were summarized in order to provide references for formulating a more reasonable strategy for prevention and control of rocky desertification.[Methods] Through reviewing the literature reports and documents and books, the history and developmental stage of rock desertification rehabilitation measures in China were systematically summarized, and individual ecological measures and comprehensive rehabilitation models in use at present were listed.[Results] The measures of stony desertification management in China include 26 types in 7 classes of engineering technologies, 15 types in 4 classed of biotechnologies, 14 types in 3 classes of farming techniques, and other technologies as ecological migration. The types of comprehensive ecological rehabilitation mode include vegetation restoration, ecological agriculture, eco-livestock farming, soil and water conservation, eco-immigration, eco-tourism, integrated management, and others.[Conclusion] The suitability of ecological measures depends on the level of social and economic development and the purpose of management, its suitability varies over time. At present, control of rock desertification in China should begin with releasing population pressure, optimizing land use structure, and maximizing natural self-repair ability.