The oil and gas exploration of Carboniferous has not made great progress for a long time in Qaidam basin. In this study,based on the research of sedimentary structure characteristics, hydrocarbon source rock geochemical characteristics, oil-source correlation of Carboniferous in Qaidam basin, we evaluate the exploration potential of oil and gas. The result shows that, the types of source rock are mainly consisted of mud shale, carbon mudstone, coal and carbonate. The source rock in the north of Qaidam basin has high abundance of organic matter, the organic matter is mainly of Ⅱ and Ⅲ types, ranging in mature and high mature stages, and has good potential of hydrocarbon generation. The multi-period tectonic movements control the forming period and later distribution range of oil and gas. The oil display situation in outcrop area and the result of oil-source correlation further confirm that, the source rock of Carboniferous has generated and expelled hydrocarbon, and the hydrocarbon accumulation obviously is controlled by tectonic action. The hydrocarbon generated in early phase, migration through fault, and adjusted reservoir accumulation are the accumulation pattern for Carboniferous reservoir, in the north of Qaidam basin.