By using the theory of modern sedimentology and stratigraphy and according to the tectonic evolution of the Xiangzhong and Xiangdongnan depressions,this paper analyzes the depositional environments of the shale or mudstone series of strata from Middle Devonian to Upper Permian,reconstructs the lithofacies and paleogeography of the Xiangzhong and Xiangdongnan depressions,and predicts the favorable regions.The study results show that the platform basin and littoral swamp are the most favorable facies for the deposition of shale and mudstone.Qiziqiao Formation and Shetianqiao Formation,the significant shale and mudstone series of strata in Xiangzhong depression,mainly deposit in the platform basin and are distributed over the upper part of transgressive system tract and the lower part of high stand system tract.The deposition center is located in the Lianyuan sag and the groove platform facies in the centre of the Shaoyang sag.The key Longtan Formation and Dalong Formation shale and mudstone series of strata in Xiangdongnan depression mainly deposit in the littoral swamp and are distributed over the regressive system tract.The deposition center is located in Guiyang-Leiyang.