In the foreland basin researches of China, the deep and accurate understanding of the concept and meaning of the foreland basins and the comprehension of the features of the typical foreland basins abroad are absolutely necessary so as to prevent the excessive broadening of the concept of the foreland basin. In addition, the research on “Sino-type basin" in central western China should be strengthened. The main part of the Helan Mountain is composed of Triassic-Jurassic strata, which comprise from west Alxa massif to east Ordos BasinZhifang-Yanchang Group, Yan'an Formation, Zhiluo Formation and Anding Formation. The Helanshan Mountain lifting might have taken place at the end of Mesozoic-Cenozoic period. The stratigraphic sequence is characterized by the increasing depth of water. The lithic fragment components and the rose diagram of paleocurrent show that the sediments must have come from Helanshan Group in the north. The stratigraphic isopaches which describe the shape of the basin and the depth of water extend into Alxa massif instead of being ended on the eastern side of the Helan Mountain. The thrusting direction of the main thrust faults is westward on the eastern side of the mountain and eastward on the western side. The above_mentioned features are not consistent with the characteristics and criteria of the foreland basin. The western edge of Ordos Basin, at least the central northern part of the western edge, is not a foreland basin.