Abstract: A new petroleum exploration domain has been started after well Shacan-2, which was drilled in the Paleozoic marine carbonates in northern Tarim Basin, was successful in September 1984.Especially, as Tahe oilfield was discovered and proved, exploration and research work for the Paleozoic burial hill were greatly strengthened and much progress was made.Some theoretical problems on petroleum exploration of Chinese Paleozoic marine carbonates were solved, and distribution and prospecting of oilfields in paleo-burial hill were pointed out.