[Objective] In order to provide scientific basis for desert regionalization and desertification control, this paper tries to classify desertification areas on the county scale of the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau and analyze the distribution and characteristics of different desert types.[Methods] Based on TM images from 2018, MODIS images from 2000 to 2018, combined with GIS mapping technology and long-term field investigation, the study selected Chengguan District of Lhasa City as a case to explore the desert classification system in the alpine region.[Results] According to the main influencing factors of desert formation, the main principles and indexes of desert classification were put forward. Based on the indexes of climate regionalization, surface material composition, geomorphic morphology, and vegetation coverage, the desert in the Chengguan District of Lhasa City was divided into 2 first-level types, 7 second-level types, 18 third-level types, and 31 fourth-level types, and the area and spatial distribution of each desert type were determined.[Conclusion] This study determines the index of desert classification, and classifies the desert area of the Chengguan District. The desert classification system in the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau is preliminarily established, which is the basis for the alpine classification research in the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau.