[Objective] Soil erosion characteristics and prevention countermeasures in the Yellow River basin were studied in order to provide a scientific reference for comprehensive control of soil and water loss and high-quality development of the ecological environment in the region.[Methods] Soil and water loss data of 2020 were used to determine the area, distribution, and characteristics of soil erosion in the ecological protection and high-quality development planning area of the Yellow River basin. Comprehensive prevention and control measures for soil and water loss in this region were subsequently recommended.[Results] Areas of soil erosion accounted for 33.97% of the total land area. Areas of soil and water loss were mainly concentrated in the sandy region of the middle reaches of the Yellow River, the desert steppe sandy region of Tenggeri-north foot of the Yinshan Mountain, the loess hilly region of the Huangshui-Taohe River basin, and the highland grasslands region in the source area of the Yellow River. Sandy land, dry land (with slope greater than 6°), natural pasture, and other grasslands were the primary locations for soil erosion. Soil erosion presented the characteristics of wide area and large amounts, concentrated distribution, diverse erosion types, and large areas of high erosion intensity.[Conclusion] Soil erosion is still one of the main ecological problems in the ecological protection and high-quality development planning areas of the Yellow River basin. Prevention and control of soil erosion should be combined with the characteristics of regional soil erosion, scientific layout, and various carefully configured measures to promote the green development of soil and water loss control in the planned area.