Objective: In order to further explore the material source, weathering and tectonic setting of the Late Ordovician-Early Silurian black shale in the southern margin of the Upper Yangtz, this study selected typical field section for systematic sampling, systematically studies the geochemical characteristics of major, trace and rare earth elements of Wufeng-Longmaxi Formation shale and discusses its geological significance. Methods: Through the characteristics of major, trace and rare earth elements of 22 samples of Wufeng-Longmaxi Formation shale in the field profile of the southern margin of the Upper Yangtze, the ancient weathering intensity and paleoclimate conditions were restored, the source rock properties and tectonic background were revealed, and the shale formation environment and process were explored, which provided more favorable geochemical evidence for further exploration and development of Wufeng-Longmaxi Formation shale in the Upper Yangtze region. Results: The black organic-rich shale of Wufeng-Longmaxi Formation in the southern margin of the Upper Yangtze has the characteristics of poor high field strength elements and enrichment of large ion lithophile elements similar to the upper crust. The ∑ REE value (103.66×10-6~295.98×10-6, average 180.57×10-6) is generally high. The standardized distribution pattern of rare earth elements is very similar to that of the upper crust, showing the characteristics of 'V' type to the right, enrichment of light rare earth elements, flat heavy rare earth elements, obvious differentiation of light and heavy rare earth elements, and obvious negative Eu anomaly. The contents and ratios of characteristic trace and rare earth elements, such as La, Ce, La/Yb and Sc/Cr, are close to the characteristic values of passive continental margin. The ICV values (0.55~14.1, average 2.28) and Zr/Sc- versus Th/Sc diagram indicate that the source is the first rapid sedimentary product of the tectonic belt, and does not have the characteristics of sedimentary recycling. The lower CIA value (54.89-71.61, average 65.27), A-CN-K diagram and K2O/Al2O3 versus Ga/Rb diagram indicated that the provenance was less affected by chemical weathering, and the sedimentary environment was cold and dry. The high contents of K2O, Rb, Al2O3/TiO2 and negative Eu anomaly indicate that the source rocks are dominated by felsic igneous rocks and acidic geological bodies of granites. Conclusion: Based on the discriminant diagram of provenance and tectonic background, it is inferred that the main body of Wufeng-Longmaxi Formation shale in the southern margin of Upper Yangtze is formed in the passive continental margin. The provenance mainly comes from the early Neoproterozoic platform caprock of Kangdian ancient land on the west side, followed by Qianzhong uplift, with the influx of intermediate-acid volcanic materials in the southeast of Yangtze plate.