Abstract: In order to study the hydrocarbon resource potential in the southern East China Sea, we made a comparison of the Mesozoic sedimentary characteristics between the southern East China Sea and its adjacent Zhejiang-Fujian Uplifting areas. The Jurassic deposits in the Zhejiang-Fujian Uplifting areas are mainly composed of fluvial, lacustrine, and the volcanic facies, obviously influenced by intensive volcanic activities. However, the deposits in the sea area are dominated by transitional and marine facies. There occur little volcanic activities that is beneficial to the generation and preservation of oil and gas. In this regard, the Jurassic in the sea area is a prospective target for oil exploration and development in the southern East China Sea.