Based on the synthetic analyses of Jurassic and Cretaceous residual strata distribution, faults systems and cross-section evolution, the authors proposed that the northern Qaidam Basin experienced three phases of basinal evolution during the Mesozoic: A series of small faulted-basins developed in the Early Jurassic northern Qaidam in an extensional environment, afterwards, these small faultbounded basins were covered by a larger depression basin in the Middle Jurassic to Early Cretaceous, During the Late Cretaceous, the northern Qaidam Basin was reversed and wholly uplifted, resulting in formation of palaeo-uplifts.