Abstract: Altyn Tagh fault zone is a large NE-SW trending transforming fault located in the northwestern China. Various basins formed in the both sides of the fault zone due to different regional stress at different times and different fault movement directions. Based on the studies of the Cenozoic basins and surface outcrops in both sides of the fault and previous research results on strike-slipping of the Altyn Tagh fault, the paper analyzes the evolution process, basin type, sedimentary environment and the relationship between the Altyn Tagh fault zone and the evolution of peripheral basins by combining with a structural model related to right-lateral divergent fault. According to the relationships among the outcrop, basin shape and lithofacies of the Cenozoic basin in both sides of the fault zone, it is considered that the left-lateral slipping distance of Altyn Tagh fault is about 350 km since Cenozoic; the comparison of the experimental model of mud cake right-lateral slipping with the Cenozoic prototype basin in the middle part of Altyn Tagh fault zone shows good structural matching relations on the basin forming environment and basin type. The study on the distribution of Cenozoic prototype basins after the restoration of the strike slip of Altyn Tagh fault has important significance for understanding current Cenozoic basins and for petroleum exploration in the basins