<p>The Tanlu Fault Zone (TLFZ), recognized as the largest active strike-slip fault system in eastern China, exhibits distinct structural features and seismic activities across its various segments. To elucidate the structural characteristics of the upper and middle crust in the Zhangbaling Uplift (ZBU) segment of the TLFZ, we employed ambient noise data collected from a dense seismic array comprising 192 nodes, deployed in 2020. Utilizing ambient noise tomography, we derived a three-dimensional S-wave velocity (<i>V</i>_s) structure of the region, extending to a depth of 10 km. The tomographic results reveal a prominent low-velocity anomaly at depths of 0–2 km along the fault zone, which correlates with the fault graben structure. According to the <i>V</i>_s characteristics, the Mingguang Graben in the northern part of Zhangbaling extends to a depth of 3 km, whereas on the eastern flank of the Hefei Basin in the south, it reaches 1.5 km. Additionally, several NW-trending low-velocity stripes are identified at depths of 3–5 km on the eastern side of the Bengbu Uplift and the Hefei Basin, likely corresponding to NW-trending left-lateral hidden faults. By integrating the regional velocity structure, surface GPS directions, and earthquake focal mechanisms, we proposed a tectonic model for the Zhangbaling segment of the TLFZ. This model suggests that the NW-trending hidden faults may play a crucial role in modulating the near east-west stress loading on the TLFZ.</p>