Using the variable slip model, we calculate the Coulomb failure stress changes caused by the Ms 8.1 Kunlun earthquake, and explain the spatial distribution of aftershocks. On the basis of calculations, we determine the stress changes on nearby faults in the surrounding area, and investigate the effect on the seismic activities. Results show that the distribution of stress changes displays similar characteristics using two methods and two models. The correspondence between the stress change and seismicity is good, which indicate that the stress triggering effects induced by the Kunlun earthquake exist. The Manyi fault and the eastern Kunlun fault are calculated to be obviously affected by the stress changes.