Abstract: The Ordos Sandy Grassland Ecological Research Station is located in the severely desertified agricultural and pastoral intertwined zone in the central-southern Ordos Plateau, which is a typical representative of the temperate steppe zone sandy grassland ecosystem. This region lies within a multi-layered and complex ecogeographical transition zone. The ecosystem is characterized by a rich composition of endemic and relict species. However, over the past 50 years, climate change and intensifying human activities have led to grassland degradation, desertification, and land sandification, severely impacting regional sustainable development. Long-term vegetation monitoring data are crucial for studying the responses of vegetation to climate changes, as well as vegetation succession and restoration in the region. Therefore, we compiled quality-controlled plant community survey data from the comprehensive and auxiliary observation fields at the Ordos Ecological Station from 2004 to 2010, as part of the Chinese Ecosystem Research Network (CERN). The dataset includes information on plot background and vegetation classification, shrub layer species composition, shrub layer community characteristics, herbaceous layer species composition, and herbaceous layer community characteristics. This dataset can provide scientific basis for the study of flora of the Ordos Plateau, the analysis of the structure and function of regional ecosystems, and the mechanism of vegetation succession and restoration.

Key words: Plant community, Long-term observation, Grassland ecosystem, Desert, Community succession