Abstract: Based on the principle and method of outcrop sequence stratigraphy, paleontology, red beds and detrital zircon U-Pb ages, the Silurian sequence stratigraphic characteristics, organic-rich shale occurrence and shale gas exploration prospects around the Jiangnan fault zone are studied. The study shows that the Gaojiabian Formation in the north of the Jiangnan fault zone has superior conditions for the formation of shale gas reservoirs, which can be listed as a target area for shale gas exploration. The Gaojiabian and Fentou formations around the Jiangnan fault zone, which are called Xiaxiang, Helixi and Kangshan formations in the south of the Jiangnan fault zone, should be classified into the Lower Silurian, while the Maoshan Formation(Tangjiawu Formation in the south of the Jiangnan fault zone)should be classified into the Upper Silurian, with Middle Silurian sediments missing. The organic-rich shale mainly occurs in the SSQ1 third-order sequence in the lowstand systems tract(LST)and the transfressive systems tract(TST)and the SSQ4 third-order sequence in the condensed section(CS). From the perspective of thickness and TOC value, the Gaojiabian Formation in the Lower Yangtze transitional rock combination shoudl be a favorable target layer for shale gas exploration.