Using the newest acquired seismic and drilling data，combined with physical analogue modeling，the differences in structural characteristics and control factors of Yingxiong Range structural belt in the western Qaidam Basin were analyzed.The results indicate that Yingxiong Range structural belt of the western Qaidam Basin is characterized by“the westeast segmentation，the north-south zonation and the vertical stratification”. The sedimentary period of the Eocene E32xg was the key period of structure deformation of Yingxiong Range structural belt of the western Qaidam Basin. As affected by the normal faults in the pre-existing paleo-structure，the uneven distribution of flexible or weak rock such as the dark mudstone and gypsum rock in that period were the main factors controlling the difference of structural characteristics of Yingxiong Range structural belt of the western Qaidam Basin. During Paleogene，the Altyn Tagh Fault began to function，normal faults developed in Yingxiong Range structural belt of the western Qaidam Basin under the weak extensional tectonic setting，which controlled the development of flexible or weak rock such as the dark mudstone and gypsum rock. During Neogene，the Eastern Kunlun Fault began to function，and the present characteristics of“positive inversion structure”were formed under the strong compressive tectonic setting in Yingxiong Range structural belt of the western Qaidam Basin.