Abstract: Functional reorganization of protected areas constitutes a critical step and central task in constructing the national park system. The reform of the protected area classification system is not a one-time solution. Further clarifying the interconnections and distinctions among various protected areas, as well as defining development pathways to achieve their new positioning, becomes particularly urgent during the initial phase of national park system development. This article summarizes the current development status of desert-type protected areas in China, conducts comparative analyses of similarities and differences between desert parks in China and foreign desert-type protected areas, identifies the conservation values of desert parks in China, and positions their "supplementary" role within the protected area system. To achieve this positioning, suggestions including promoting the realization of their own value, clarifying relationships with desert-type national parks and nature reserves, and implementing graded and classified protection are proposed.