Abstract: In order to predict the hydrocarbon potential of South Yellow Sea basin, hydrocarbon tests are used to evaluate its potential. Hydrocarbon test results of 383 lower-layer atmosphere samples show that the highest methane anomalous area is located in the southwest of northern depression in the South Yellow Sea; the second highest area is located in the west of central uplift and in the middle of southern depression; and methane anomalous area going banded in S-N direction is located in the east of the South Yellow Sea. On the basis of integrated studies of aero magnetic anomalies and some subbottom profiles, it is inferred that the east of central uplift and its adjacent northern depression probably have good hydrocarbon potential.