The FⅠ17 fault in the central Tarim Basin is a typical trans-tectonic-unit strike-slip fault spanning the Tazhong Uplift and the Aman Transition Zone. Its developmental characteristics and genetic mechanisms remain unclear, constraining the understanding of the tectonic evolution and hydrocarbon distribution patterns in the central part of the basin. Based on high-resolution 3D seismic interpretation and regional structural analysis, this study systematically investigates the geometric and kinematic characteristics as well as the evolutionary process of the fault. The results show that the FⅠ17 fault exhibits an S-shaped planar distribution and can be divided into five segments based on variations in strike: Segment I (NE37°), Segment II (NE49°), Segment III (NE29°), Segment IV (NE50°), and Segment V (NE21°). The structural styles of these segments differ significantly: the two ends are dominated by vertical strike-slip, while the central part develops overlapping structures, showing alternating transpressive and transtensional characteristics. Fault activity is highest at the top of the Upper Ordovician and decreases toward the top of the Upper Cambrian, demonstrating clear vertical inheritance. Overall, the fault exhibits a spatial segmentation pattern of "strong in the middle and weak at the ends." Evolutionary analysis indicates that the fault underwent three main stages: embryonic development during the Middle-Late Cambrian, mature strike-slip activity during the Middle-Late Ordovician, and reactivation during the Silurian-Carboniferous. Its formation is controlled by the coupling of basement heterogeneity and peripheral tectonic activity: the nonlinear arrangement of basement rifts causes strike deflections, resulting in the S-shaped planar geometry. The Tazhong I fault, as a tectonic boundary, absorbs regional deformation and restricts the lateral propagation of strike-slip faults, leading to significant differences in activity intensity of the trans-unit fault between the Tazhong Uplift and the Aman Transition Zone. This study reveals the geometric segmentation, evolutionary process, and controlling mechanisms of large-scale trans-tectonic-unit strike-slip faults in the central Tarim Basin, deepening the understanding of the tectonic model of "basement-controlled fracturing and boundary-limited displacement." It provides important structural geological insights for hydrocarbon exploration and target evaluation related to strike-slip faults in the central Tarim Basin.