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The Qarhan Desert in the Qaidam Basin is a high-elevation geomorphic depression characterized by low temperatures, resulting in an environment similar to those predicted to exist on Mars. As a result, this desert has attracted many aeolian researchers. However, relatively little research has addressed the factors that control dune formation in this region. In this paper, we used observational wind data and sediment characteristics to analyze the formation and development of 3 dune types. The spatial distribution of the Qarhan Desert dune types is controlled by both wind regime and surface characteristics (primarily surface barriers, i.e., yardangs). Linear dunes formed on the leeside of yardangs and became elongated under a bimodal wind regime. The elongation direction of the linear dunes (295 degrees) was similar to the direction of potential sand transport (290 degrees to 296 degrees). Linear dune development experienced different erosion and deposition processes under different climate regimes, and the dunes can be divided into developed and developing linear dunes at present. The movement of developed linear dunes included elongation and lateral movement; however, the movement of developing linear dunes was restricted to elongation. The mean elongation movement rate of the developing and developed linear dunes was approximately 16.87 and 4.84m/yr, respectively.