Abstract: The Upper Paleozoic of Guizhong Depression possesses considerable shale gas potential. However, the limited extent of petroleum geological and geophysical exploration has greatly hindered local shale gas exploration and development. To clarify the petroleum geological features in the eastern Guizhong Depression and support regional shale gas resource evaluation, the authors in this study have integrated magnetotelluric sounding (MT) and 2D reflection seismic methods to conduct joint geological and geophysical research on shale gas. The results showed that Fenghuang syncline extended in an overall NNE direction, narrow in the north and broad in the south in plain view, and a gentle eastern limb and a steep western limb in cross section. The hinge of the syncline plunged southward, and the strata burial depth increased from north to south. Luzhai Formation exhibited a burial depth of 600~1 800 m and a thickness of 240-330 m. Thrust faults striking SE and NW were developed on the eastern and western limbs of the syncline respectively, forming a structural pattern of opposing thrusts in cross section. A series of NW- striking normal faults were observed at depth, and these faults had large cutting depths, which controlled the Devonian-Carboniferous sedimentary filling, and experienced structural inversion in the late stage. Further studies indicated that the core of Fenghuang Syncline was located within the inward thrust belt. Luzhai Formation had moderate burial depth, and it was far from deep major faults. Besides, Luzhai Formation featured good shale gas preservation, making it a priority area for future shale gas exploration breakthrough in Guizhong Depression. The present study has ascertained the basic petroleum geological settings in the eastern Guizhong Depression, which could provide important support for regional shale gas resource assessment and block optimization.