Microscopic and SEM observations of thin sections and kerogens and GC-MS analyses of aromatic fractions in sediment extracts and pyrolysis products of kerogens provide strong evidence suggesting that in the Lower Yangtze Valley area the Sinian and Lower Paleozoic carbonate formations of marine facies received no higher plant input, but there was produced abundant retene during diagenesis and abietic acid substances are still its procursors.