Based on the observation of the well cores, thin section and FESEM, combined with X-ray diffraction, physical property testing and geochemical indicators, the reservoir characteristics and the controlling factors of the shale oil enrichment of the Ess 4–Esx 3 shale in the Jiyang depression were detailed analyzed. Studies show that carbonate and clay minerals are dominated in the shale. According to the triangle chart, the TOC content(2% and 4%), carbonate and clay minerals, nine lithofacies have been identified. The reservoir space types are rich in the shale, in which, the laminated fractures, recrystallization intracrystalline pores and organic pores are high-quality reservoir spaces. The shale oil enrichment is mainly determined by the hydrocarbon-producing potential and reservoir capacity. The hydrocarbon-producing capacity is controlled by the organic geochemistry indicators, especially the TOC content for the study area, and the thickness of the organic-rich shale. The reservoir capacity is mainly affected by the lithofacies, the TOC content and the structural activities. In addition, the shale oil production is influenced by the fracability of the shale, which is mainly controlled by the lithofacies, structural activities, formation pressure, etc. The shale oil reservoir evaluation should focus on the TOC content, the thickness of the organic-rich shale, lithofacies and structural factor. Based on the observation of the well cores, thin sections and FESEM, combined with X-ray diffraction, physical property testing and geochemical indicators, the reservoir characteristics and the controlling factors of the shale oil enrichment of the Ess 4-Esx 3 shale in the Studies show that carbonate and clay minerals are dominated in the shale. According to the triangle chart, the TOC content (2% and 4%), carbonate and clay minerals, nine lithofacies have been identified. The reservoir space Types are rich in the shale, in which, the laminated fractures, recrystallization intracrystalline pores and organic pores are high-quality reservoir spaces. The hydrocarbon-producing capacity is controlled by the organic geochemistry indicators, especially the TOC content for the study area, and the thickness of the organic-rich shale. The reservoi r capacity is mainly affected by the lithofacies, the toc content and the structural activities. In addition, the shale oil production is influenced by the fracability of the shale, which is mainly controlled by the lithofacies, structural activities, formation pressure, etc. The shale oil reservoir evaluation should focus on the TOC content, the thickness of the organic-rich shale, lithofacies and structural factor.