In order to clarify the pore characteristics and controlling factors of Cambrian Niutitang Formation shale in Western Hubei, X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy and low-temperature liquid nitrogen adsorption experiments were used to qualitatively classify the micro pore types of shale, and quantitatively characterize the pore size distribution and specific surface area. Combined with the basic geological characteristics of shale, the main controlling factors of pore development were discussed. The results show that: the shale kerogen of Niutitang Formation in the study area is mainly Ⅱ1, with high TOC and RO values, which is conducive to hydrocarbon generation; the overall porosity is low, and the regional difference of permeability is large, so it is speculated that the difference of microfracture development may be the reason for the difference of permeability; the illite content in clay minerals is more, and the brittleness index is larger, generally more than 60%; through the observation of scanning electron microscope, the research results are as follows The pore types of Niutitang Formation shale are intergranular pore, intragranular pore, intergranular pore, organic pore, dissolution pore and microfracture; the low-temperature liquid nitrogen adsorption curve belongs to type II adsorption isotherm, the pore size is mainly between 30-60nm, the specific surface area is mainly provided by pores with pore size ≤ 5nm, and the main pore forms are ink bottle pore and parallel plate pore; the main controlling factors of pore development are analyzed, and the results show that the main pore types of Niutitang Formation shale are intergranular pore, intragranular pore, intergranular pore, organic pore, dissolution pore and microfracture It is confirmed that the total organic carbon content, thermal maturity and clay minerals have strong control on the pore development of Niutitang Formation shale in the study area.