In this study, we analyzed the variation of salt layer thickness in the leading edge of the western Kuqa fold and thrust belt and its effects on structural style, wavelength and fold lateral linkage of the anticlines using integrated seismic reflection profiles, drilling, remote sensing imagery and DEM data. The results indicate that the initial salt sediments of ~1.0 km together with allochthonous salt facilitated the formation of a ~300 km long anticline with wavelengths of ~22 km in the Qiulitage structural belt by lateral linkage of individual fold segments with a hinge distance as much as 10.3 km. However, the initial thickness of salt underlying the Kalayuergun structural belt is 01~09 km, and decreases from west to east. The difference in salt thickness resulted in contrasting fault patterns above the core of anticlines in this belt. As a result, the lateral linkage occurred between Nanka and Zhongka anticlines with a hinge distance of ~65 km, whereas the Beika anticline developed as an isolated fold even if a shorter hinge distance of ~61 km. Therefore, we suggest that the thickness of salt layers resulted in difference of fold wavelength and fault patterns, and further affect whether lateral linkage is able to occur between individual fold segments. Although the results of this study need to be validated by further investigations, we still believe they can help us in better understanding the deformation of compressional salt structures and their controls on fold development.