Source-to-sink system refers to the dynamic one in which the source formed by denudation landform is dispersed and deposited in the catchment basin through the transportation. It has an important research significance in the field of geoscience. The source-to-sink system consists of three important elements: source, transportation and depositional system. Only by studying the three elements as a systematic process can we fully understand the dynamic process and evolution of the earth’s surface. Continental rift basin is an important type of petroliferous sedimentary basin in China. In this paper, the structural characteristics of continental rift basin are systematically analyzed. As an independent secondary structural unit of faulted basin, the internal steep slope zone and gentle slope zone are different in formation process and geomorphic structure, which leads to the differences in the elements of corresponding source-to-sink system. According to the coupling elements of source-to-sink system, the types of source-to-sink system in different structural zones of the rift basin can be divided into three types: near source-short axis-turbidite fan type, near source-short axis-alluvial fan / fan delta type and far source-long axis-lacustrine delta type. Two types of source-to-sink system coupling types, near source-short axis-turbidite fan type and near source-short axis-alluvial fan / fan delta type, are mainly developed in the steep slope zone; In the gentle slope zone and the long axis direction of the basin, the source-to-sink system coupling type of far source-long axis-lacustrine delta type is mainly developed. In the future, the source-to-sink system research will carry out comprehensive research through multiple disciplines and methods, focus on the deep-seated source system, transportation and dispersion system, emphasize the quantitative characterization of source-to-sink system elements and their coupling response relationship, predict large-scale favorable sedimentary sand bodies, and provide predictive models and geological basis for the exploration and development of sedimentary minerals