In order to study hydrocarbon distribution law around source- fault in combination of lower source and upper reservoir of petroliferous basin, we established a method to recognize preferential pathway for hydrocarbon migration inside source- fault, and this method was applied into recognizing preferential pathway for hydrocarbon migration inside F3 source- fault in Es3z of Daliuquan area in Langgu sag, Jizhong depression of Bohaiwan basin.Methods: Based on study of preferential pathway for hydrocarbon migration inside source- fault and its affecting factors, through determining convex ridge of source- fault plane and hydrocarbon migrating zone inside filler of source- fault, combining these two factors to establish a method to recognize preferential pathway for hydrocarbon migration inside source- fault.Results: There were 5 preferential pathways for hydrocarbon migration inside F3 source- fault, 4 of them were in the south of fault, and 1 of them was in the north of fault, and preferential pathways for hydrocarbon migration inside F3 source- fault coincide with presently discovered hydrocarbon distribution in Es3z around south—central part and north part of F3 source- fault.Conclusions: This method is feasible to recognize preferential pathway for hydrocarbon migration inside source- fault.