Abstract: On the basis of previous data,using comprehensive geophysical data collected in the Yellow Sea since 2000 and together with drilling data from China and neighboring countries, we probed and discussed the tectonic evolution history of the sea from Paleozoic to Cenozoic and studied the tectonic background of the formation of the sedimentary basins and the tectonic types of the sedimentary basins in the Yellow Sea. We believe that there were platform sediments in the Paleozoic and the rifting depression sediments from Mesozoic to Cenozoic in the Yellow Sea area. According to the researches on the seismic data,we recognize that there exist good hydrocarbon rocks from Paleozoic, Mesozoic to Cenozoic, and good caprocks in Neogene and Quaternary. The reservoir rocks were widespread in the sedimentary basins. Therefore, we believe that we should explore the Mesozoic and Cenozoic in the Yellow Sea for oil. However, we should also research the Paleozoic in the sedimentary basins, and focus on the places where preserved good and overlying sediments are thin, as these places have good petroleum resources.