Abstract: There is a dispute between two options---"Shallow T8" and "Deep T8" for data interpretation of Xiqiu structural belt, Kuqa Depression. Determination of different geological horizons of seismic horizons resulted in the huge difference in interpretation options, trap property and size, and burial depth of highs of subsalt structure. So the oil and gas exploration idea and deployment of Xiqiu structural belt were altered completely. Synthesizing seismic, geological and logging data showed that seismic reflection layers were not the reflection of Cretaceous sandstone and mudstone, but the gypsum mudstone inside the Palaeogene salt bed of Xiqiu structural belt. Therefore, no large subsalt structural traps were likely to exist in the structural belt. Overall deployment should be carried out for oil and gas exploration in subsalt traps, based on the recognition that "the subsalt structure of Xiqiu structural belt is low-amplitude structural trap at the monoclinic belts tilting to the north

Key words: Kuqa Depression, Xiqiu structural belt, subsalt structure, integrated interpretation, monoclinic belt tilting to the north, low-amplitude trap, exploration prospect