Fractures developed well in the Lower Silurian Longmaxi Formation in DS area，southeast Sichuan. The development characteristics and controlling factors of shale fractures were studied based on the experimental results of field geological survey，core observation of typical well，homogeneous temperature of inclusions and X-ray diffraction. The results show that there are 2 periods of fracture development in the area. The first period is at the middle-late Yanshan movement，which was dominated by NW compression induced by the rise of Jiangnan Xuefeng uplift，and near EW and SSE X-type conjugate shear fracture in plane and NE longitudinal shear fracture developed. The second period is from the end of Yanshan movement to the Himalayan period，which was dominated by NE compression as a combined effect of the rise of central Sichuan paleo-uplift，Jiangnan Xuefeng uplift and central Guizhou uplift. As a result，NNE and NEE X-type conjugate shear fracture in plane and NW longitudinal shear fracture developed. The development of fractures is mainly controlled by tectonic movement，structural position，rock mechanical properties，lithology and mineral composition. The degree of fracture development is closely related to the distance from the fault，the content of brittle mineral and clay mineral of rock，Young’s modulus and Poisson’s ratio.