This paper discusses the characteristics of the mud shale reservoirs in the Upper Permian Longtan Formation in the Southeast Hunan depression. By using the research methods and results of the North American shale gas reservoir, it compares the shale gas reservoir characteristics with that of the Barnett shale in Fort Worth Basin. By measuring section and systematic sampling and using the methods of X-ray diffraction, combined with scanning electron microscopy, this paper analyses the characteristics of the TOC content, mineral composition, types and features of pores and fractures and the fracture depth of the Longtan Formation mud shale. The results show that the average mass fraction of TOC in the mud shale reservoirs of Longtan Formation is 35~. The average mass fraction of TOC of clay minerals, quartz and carbonate minerals is 35~//0, 27~ and 38%, respectively. In addition, a certain amount of pyrite is also contained. The types of pores in this shale reservoir include intergranular pore, intracrystalline pore, inter-grain pore, dissolved pore, grain of flange pore and organic pore. The measured porosity of the research area is distributed in 0. 7% - 16. 7% and the fractures with various sizes are widely developed. The results of the research are analysed and compared with the Barnett shale in Fort Worth Basin, showing that the mud shale in study area has good characteristics of shale gas reservoirs. The studies of porosity and its influencing factors also show that the high quartz content is of constructive significance to the development of porosity.