Abstract: The main controlling factors of fracture development are structural and non–structural factors in Dongpu sag. The structural factors are the tectonic stress, which can divided into horizontal stress and vertical stress. The fractures formed by the tectonic stress are mainly cross–longitudinal vertical fractures and high angle shear frac tures, which are easy to be found in the areas of relatively high structure position and larger curvature position. Non–structural factors are mainly the lithology and mineral composition, TOC content and abnormal high pressure. The tectonic stress factor has the controlling effect on the shale reservoir fracture development, while the non–structural factor is also important.