A review of the Cambrian of China

The sedimentary history and biostratigraphy of China during the Cambrian Period are broadly discussed within the framework of major tectonic divisions of the country. Five platform domains (North China Platform, southwest China Platform, Chiangnan Belt, Tarim Platform, and Tsaidem Platform) and five eugeosynclinal belts (South Tibet‐western Yunnan Belt, Tienshan‐Altai‐Great Khingan Geosyncline, Chilian Geosyncline, Kunlun‐Tibet‐western Yunnan Geosyncline and Southeast China Geosyncline) are recognised and discussed individually. A zonal scheme for Chinese Cambrian biostratigraphy is provided and the problems of the Precambrian to Cambrian, Cambrian to Ordovician and also the series boundaries are discussed. International correlation of the Cambrian of China, especially with Australia, is outlined in some detail.