Objectives: The dark shale layer of the Neoproterozoic Doushantuo Formation is extensively developed in the western Hubei. The well gas show of the ZD1 and EYY1 well reveals that the dark shale has good shale gas potential, but the degree of research is relatively low. This paper will provide a scientific basis for the exploration and development of shale gas in the Neoproterozoic Doushantuo Formation. Methods: Based on comprehensive analysis of outcrops observation, combining with analysis of organic geochemical test，SEM，X-ray diffraction, low-temperature nitrogen adsorption—desorption and isothermal adsorption, this paper studied the shale gas accumulation conditions and characteristics of the Doushantuo Formation in West of Hubei, such as the development and distribution of the shale, the organic geochemical characteristics, reservoir characteristics and the ability of adsorption of the shale. Results: The continuous dark shale is developed in the Doushantuo Formation in western Hubei, with the thickness is about between 50m and 90m. The TOC content of the shale is higher, as the value is about between 1.0% and 2.5%. The type of organic matter is Ⅰ, and the vitrinite reflective is about between 1.8% and 2.2%, which means higher—over mature stage. The mean brittle minerals content of the dark shale of the Doushantuo Formation is about 52.3%, which is conducive to fracturing development. The dark shale is highly compacted. The shale reservoir pore space is widely developed, with high specific surface area and pore volume. The adsorption ability of the dark shale is better, which methane maximum adsorption capacity is about between 1.68 cm 3/g and 2.1 cm3/g. Conclusions: The development of the dark shale in Doushantuo Formation is widely and regional stable. The dark shale is characterized with abundance of organic matter, good organic type, high degree of thermal evolution, brittle minerals wealth, better reservoir physical properties, more type of reservoir pore space, and better ability of methane adsorption. It means the advantageous geological conditions of shale gas enrichment and accumulation. The most favorable area for shale gas accumulation in the Doushantuo Formation shale is the South area of Huangling anticline and Changyang anticline area, furthermore, the most favorable section is the lower part of the second layer in Doushantuo formation, with the method of comprehensive information superposition.