Abstract: In order to study the physical mechanical characteristics of shale and its anisotropy，and provide technical parameters for hydraulic fracturing process regularity of fissure network，the electron microscope scanning and uniaxial compression tests for Longmaxi formation shale are carried out to analyze its anisotropic property based on the different bedding plane microstructure，mechanical parameters and damage characteristics.The results show that：the anisotropy of shale is its intrinsic property，which determines different mechanical properties of shale and failure mode.When the angle of the coring direction and bedding plane θ=0°，the failure mode shows as tension destruction；θ=22.5°，the failure mode is the shear failure along the bedding plane and the tensile destruction parallel to the axial direction；θ=45°，the failure modes is the single shear failure along the bedding plane；θ=67.5°，the failure mode is the complex shear failure along or through the bedding plane；θ=90°，the failure mode is the tension destruction through the bedding plane.The longitudinal wave velocity，elastic modulus，uniaxial compressive strength and Poisson ratio also show some anisotropy.

Key words: Shale, Bedding plane, Failure mode, Mechanical properties, Anisotropic properties