Based on paleocurrent and provenance analysis of Neogene sedimentary basins in the Northeastern Qinghai Tibetan Plateau, sedimentary evolution responsing to tectonic uplift can be divided into four processes: ① During Early Miocene (23~19.5 Ma): paleocurrent and provenance analysis of the Ayakkum, Qaidam, Delingha and Jiuquan Basin show that the East Kunlun and Altyn area had uplifted into land. The evidence from the Xunhua, Guide and Linxia Basin indicate that the Western Qinling and Lajishan area was also main uplift area. At the same time, thermochronological data of the Altyn area contrasts well with sedimentary record. Overall, the terrain was not outstanding. ② During early Middle Miocene (17.5~15 Ma), the sedimentary basins expanded, the Xorkol Basin appeared, and data from these basins reflect the mountain ridge, including the Eastern Kunlun, Altyn, Qilian, Western Qinling and Lijishan, uplifted significantly. Regional differential uplift caused expansion of these basins. ③ In Late Miocene (10~7 Ma), the granularity and sedimentary rate of these basins increased abruptly, indicated a rapid uplift of the surrounding mountains, consistent with thermochronological evidence of the Altyn, Qilian and Western Qinling. However, paleocurrent and provenance data of the Guide, Xunhua and Linxia Basin show a sensible multi source, and paleocurrent in the Xigou area turned to NWW, inferring uplift of the Jishishan Mountain. ④ During Pliocene (since 5.3 Ma onwards), paleocurrent directions in the research area remained unchanged, but granularity and sedimentary rate continued to increase, The uplift of Altyn and Qilian Mountain accelerated rapidly. Paleocurrent of the northern Guide Basin was SSW, indicating the Lajishan Mountain was regional source area. Overall, the terrain differences strengthened in this area, and the sedimentary basins shrank and withered away gradually.