The salt- bearing basins in China occurred in salt lake brine and deep brine resources and enriched in bromine (Br) elements, which have potential development and utilization value. As an important resource element in brines, systematic comparative studies on Br distribution and sources have been rarely reported. Qarhan Salt Lake (QSL) in Qaidam basin is the largest potash production base in China and a large comprehensive brine deposit with rich resources. In this paper, the intercrystalline brines of four sections of QSL was taken as the research object to analyze the distribution and source of Br in the whole lake area, and compared the change and provenance of Br in brines from different salt- bearing basins in China, and summarized the value of development and utilization. The results show that: ① the Br concentrations in QSL are high in east and low in west, and the difference is obvious in different sections; ② the lower Br in Beiletan and Dabuxun sections are recharged by rivers and enriched by evaporation, while the higher Br in Qarhan and Huobuxn sections are recharged by upwelling spring with high Ca in the northern fault zone; ③ the high Br values of most deep brines in salt- bearing basins of China (Qaidam basin, Kuqa basin, Jianghan basin, Jitan basin) are mainly obtained by leaching of water- rock reaction and desorption of Br in sediments and organic matter; ④ although the Br concentrations in brines of salt lake is far less than that in deep brine, it has the advantages of easy development and high comprehensive utilization rate. In particular, the predictability of Br in concentrated brine and old brine is higher than that of industrial grade, so it is a resource worthy of attention at present and in the future.