Abstract: The sedimentary background and environment can be studied effectively through the element geochemical characteristics. Taking the organic-rich shale of the Lower Cambrian Hetang Formation in XY1 in Xuancheng Area as an example, the structural background and sedimentary environment of the organic-rich shale of the Hetang Formation in Xuancheng area of the Lower Yangtze block were analyzed by using the element geochemical indexes. The results show that: the organic-rich shales were deposited in a stable continental margin under warm and humid climate, and the marine environment was anoxic to oxygen poor. The water body was highly productive. The paleoenvironmental parameters indicate that organic-rich shale of Hetang Formation is of continental slope facies deposited in deep water, and the water depth deepened first and then shallowed.