<p>The black shale of the Lower Cambrian Yuertusi Formation in the Tarim Basin (NW China) is an important hydrocarbon source rock, the depositional evolution, controlling factors and ages of the Yuertusi Formation remain poorly constrained. Based on observations and meter-scale measurements of four well-exposed outcrop sections, the Yuertusi Formation of western Tarim Basin was investigated to identify lithofacies types, construct depositional models, diagnose depositional cycles, reveal controls on depositional evolution and constrain its depositional age. Nine types of lithofacies were recognized, which were further grouped into two syndepositional fault-controlled, distally-steepened ramp systems. During the two separate depositional phases, chert-dominated and carbonate- and shale-dominated depositional systems were identified. Based on vertical facies stacking patterns, three shallowing-upward depositional cycles (C1-C3) and one deepening-upward cycle (C4) were distinguished in the Yuertusi Formation in western Tarim Basin. The depositional evolution and the development of depositional cycles of the Yuertusi Formation in the study area were dictated by sea-level fluctuations of different orders, diverse tectonic activities and paleotopographic configurations. The sea-level fluctuations of different orders and tectonics determined the vertical development of facies, while the paleotopographic configurations defined their spatial distribution. Two positive excursions (P1 and P2) and two negative excursions (N1 and N2) were identified in the δ¹³C curve of the Yuertusi Formation at the Sugaitebulake section of western Tarim Basin. These excursions correlate well with the carbon excursions between the CARE and SHICE intervals of the global carbon isotope curve, as well as with contemporaneous strata in other regions. The correlation constrains the depositional age of the Yuertusi Formation to between the middle-to-late Nemakit-Daldynian Age and the uppermost part of Age 2 of the Terreneuvian (~ 521&#xa0;Ma).</p>