Abstract: Grazing degradation trajectories of the main steppe rangelands in Inner Mongolia were studied by combining the experiments in the typical steppe area and the investigation in a large region. 1. The positive and negative,qualitative and quantitative grazing indicator species were distinguished; Species with preference to moderate grazing pressure were also recognized.2. Restoration of the degraded steppe rangeland demonstrated that the rhizomatic grass rehabilitated more quickly than tossuck grass; the restoration process was of monostable state; and the restoration dynamics corresponded generally to its spatial changes along a grazing gradient.3. The main steppe rangeland communities dominated by Stipa gobica, S. breviflora, S. krylovii, S. grandis, S. baicalensis and Aneurolepidium chinense will converge into Artemisia frigida community under sustaining grazing influence. A. frigida is the most effective quantitative indicator species of grazing pressure. It is also a fine forage species and an important species for resisting steppe degradation.4. The concept of steppe degradation was discussed. The difference and relations between steppe retrogression and rangeland degradation were analyzed. The grazing retrogression of steppes was divided into two successive stages, that is, rangeland utilization (improvement) and degradation. The quantitative critaria of rangeland degradation were established.5. A computerized monitoring and decision-making system of steppe rangelands was preliminarily discussed, including the three steps of monitoring, assessment and decision-making.