Abstract:Altyn tagh fault, as one of large strikeslip faults in western China, is an active and causative fault during Holocene epoch. The ChangmadabaKuantanshan segment of the Altyn tagh fault was dominated by sinistral slip accompanied a slightly vertical displacement, and no new, distinct tectonic activity or earthquake has taken place since 2.7 ka. The displacement rate of the segment is 0.9~2.2mm/a, obviously lower than that (4~5mm/a) in the western section and that (9~11mm/a) in the central west section of the Changmadabakuantanshan segment, east of the Altyn tagh fault. The rate of the second displacement occurring in Subei and Changmadaba to the east of the fault decreased greatly; part of the decreased rate was transferred to sinistral slip and overthrusting in the west of the Haiyuan active fault, i.e. the Danghenanshan fault, and in the west segment of the active fault along the north margin of the Qilianshan, respectively; both rates correspond to each other perfectly. The reduced part (4.6mm/a) of the displacement rate in the Subei segment of the Altyn tagh fault is close to that (4~5mm/a) in the west Haiyuan active fault (Danghenanshan fault). Similarly, the reduced part (3.2mm/a) of the displacement rate in the Changmadaba segment of the Altyn tagh fault is close to that (about 3.0mm/a ) in the northern margin fault of Qilianshan mountains.