Land degradation is a global ecological and environmental issue to which the drylands with vulnerable socioecological systems are particularly sensitive. Ecological restoration is regarded as a vital approach to halt, curb or reverse land degradation. However, the lack of accurate information on land degradation dynamics poses a significant barrier to developing effective restoration strategies. Here, we selected fourteen typical land degradation processes in China's drylands, employed a generalised additive model to identify degradation thresholds and classify degradation states, and analysed degradation trends using the Theil-Sen slope statistic and Mann-Kendall test. We then applied the convergence of evidence method to conduct a comprehensive, multidimensional assessment coupling degradation states and trends, ultimately identifying priority areas for ecological restoration. The results showed that aridification, loss of soil organic carbon, and soil alkalisation are the most widespread forms of land degradation facing China's drylands. 70.33 % of the area is affected by 1 to 7 types of land degradation (mildly degraded state), 25.63 % is affected by 8 to 14 types (severely degraded state), and 4.04 % shows no signs of degradation (non-degraded state). While land degradation across all three states generally exhibits a stable trend, mildly degraded areas showed signs of improvement, whereas severely degraded areas remain at risk of further degradation. Based on the states and trends of land degradation, China's drylands can be categorised into restoration-priority areas (6.79 %), conservation-priority areas (11.74 %), and management-priority areas (81.47 %), each with distinct focus and intervention needs. This study can help decision-makers understand the dynamics of land degradation and develop priority strategies for ecological restoration.