Abstract: The central inversional structure belt in Xihu sag is the most typical area for the development of inversion structures in the East China Sea Basin, and also a favorable hydrocarbon exploration zone. Using the results of seismic data interpretation and discrete element numerical simulation, this paper analyzes the development characteristics and main controlling factors of the central inversional structure belt in Xihu sag, and dissects the formation processes of the Ningbo anticline structural belt. According to the deformation characteristics, the central inversional structure belt in Xihu sag is divided into four structural sections from north to south, i.e., Jiaxing, Ningbo, Huangyan and Tiantai. The shape of the structural belt gradually changes from a closed anticline to a relatively wide and gentle anticline, and the development of the inversion structure bel thas been gradually expanded. The heterogeneity of the basement and the changes in the occurrence of faults in Xihu sag on the east side has an important control effect on the development of the central inversional structure belt. The location of the rigid basement anomaly affects the distribution of anticlines in the central inversional structure belt.The occurrence of the eastern boundary fault and its distance from the rigid basement anomaly have infulence on the shape and inversion intensity of anticlines. Under the influence of rigid basement anomaly, the Ningbo anticline developed progressively.