Abstract: This paper briefly reviews the exploration history of30years and the great successes scored in exploration and development in Henan oilfield,and systematically summarizes the experiences in petroleum exploration and development,and looks into the future.The main experi-ences with exploration in medium and small basins in-clude:persisting in regional exploration and actively seek-ing for reserve plays;grasping the key to exploration and carefully selecting a break through point;thoroughly study-ing the characteristics of multi -sources in small basins where large oilfields possibly exists;and enhancing com-prehensive research and deepening evaluation of petroleum resources to improve the benefits of exploration with advanced technologies.