Abstract: By 3D simulation procedure of limited element method, this paper presents the simulation of paleo-tectonic stress field in Junggar basin during Yanshan movement. The results show that the high value zone of the maximum principal stress in this period distributes the basinal margin with low interior stress. From south to north, the trend of the maximum principal stress changes from high to low. The mini-mum principal stress assumes zonal distribution with trend near E _W, similar to fault trend and major structural line. The shear stress mainly distributes in the basinal surroundings with low interior shear stress. Integrating available petroleum geological data and hydrocarbon migra-tion data, these stress distributions are favorable for oil/ gas accumulation in the center uplift belt, low stress zone of north Tianshan mountain front and western part as well as relatively low stress zone surrounded with high stress zone in Junggar basin.

Key words: Junggar basin, structural stress field, numerical simulation, Yanshan movement