Abstract: The Jurassic shales were deposited in the frontal area of the southern margin of the Altun Tagh, but shale gas exploration or assessment has not be carried out. Some samples have been analyzed and tested using field geological surveys and core observation and description to determine the distribution and organic geochemical characteristics of shale layers in the Jurassic. Also the occurrence and distribution of effective shales in the frontal area of the Altun Tagh were identified. The Dameigou Formation, which forms the majority of the Jurassic shale layers, developed in a semi-deep lacustrine environment and shale was distributed in the NE-SW direction along the frontal area. Total organic carbon (TOC) ranges from 1.00% to 5.19% for high organic matter abundance, the organic matter maturity (R_o) varies from 1.11% to 2.87%, and the organic matter is dominated by type-Ⅱ₁ kerogen to type-Ⅱ₂ kerogen. The shale layers of the Dameigou Formation in the frontal area are thick, the abundance of organic matter is high, the type and the thermal evolution stage are favorable to produce gas, and comparison with North American deposits suggests that the geological conditions to accumulate shale gas are good. There are four favorable exploration targets for shale gas, including Yueyashan, Heishishan-Sanjiaojia, Chaishuigou-Qingshuihe, and Mangya areas.