The potential links between uplift of the Himalaya and Tibetan Plateau and desertification of inland Asia have been a long-considered problem in geology. Although a close link between the two has been suggested by theoretical climatic simulations, not enough geological data has existed to test the theory. Here, we conducted semi-quantitative field observations of a Neogene fluvial sequence at the Yecheng section on the southwestern margin of the Tarim Basin in order to confirm the origin and mode of deposition of the aeolian siltstone, determine the onset timing, evaluate quantitatively the temporal evolution of its deposition and its relationship to the tectonically driven surface uplift of NW Tibet. The results suggest a close link between the uplift of northwestern Tibet, alluvial fan formation, dust emission from Taklimakan Desert and the deposition of loess on the alluvial fans.