The thick succession of black shales of the Ediacaran Doushantuo Formation in western Xuefeng Mountains has recently been targeted for shale gas exploration. Based on field investigation, well log and drillcore data, thin section observation, and sedimentary facies analysis, the Doushantuo Formation in western Xuefeng Mountains is interpreted as shallow water carbonate platform deposits. This sedimentary system can be divided into carbonate shelf and slope facies, as well as several subfacies. On the basis of lithostratigraphic-lithofacies transition surfaces, the Doushantuo Formation can be divided into 3 third-order sequences, each with a TST and a HST. a lithofacies-paleogeographic map is compiled and the paleogeographic evolution is analyzed. The sequence stratigraphic and paleogeographic data provide a framework for hydrocarbon exploration. Our analysis shows that the intraplatform trough is the most favorable target for shale gas exploration.