Extensional structures developed widely in West Shandong uplift.The characteristics of the NW-trending extensional faults in West Shandong uplift are studied based on detailed field geological survey.The tectonic kinematical parameters of each main tectonic evolution stages since Late Mesozoic are calculated quantitatively using balance profile restoration along a selected profile crossing the main NW-trending faults.In addition,the process of extensional deformation is demonstrated using the structural physical modeling.The results indicate that the main NW-trending faults reversed negatively after Triassic and dominated the depositions of the adjacent depressions. The extension of the West Shandong uplift since late Mesozoic coincided with the tectonic evolution of the North China Craton.