Initially, this study discusses the relation between seismic quiescence and moderately strong earthquakes in northern Qinghai and its adjacent areas from 1980 to 2015. Further, we obtain the distribution characteristics of strong earthquakes in Chaidam seismic belt and Qilian seismic belt and the main seismogenic pattern of M_S ≥ 4.9 earthquakes in these two belts. This study provides a reference for short-term prediction of earthquakes in northern Qinghai and its adjacent areas.