Abstract: This paper focuses on the types and characteristics of shelf-break migration in the Central and Eastern parts of the Northern South China Sea in the period of Quaternary. Based on the data of high-resolution seismic profiles and geological cores, six 3^rd order sequences and their boundaries have been identified. Upon the basis, three types of shelf-breaks are recognized as well. They are the shelf-breaks on depositional continental margin, erosional continental margin and tectonic-controlled continental margin from west to east, formed by the joint action of tectonism, underwater channeling, sedimentary supply and other factors.