Abstract: The distinct basin prototypes and their evolutionary sequences were developed within or along the Yangtze landmass in the divergence-convergence tectonic regimes in southern China during the Late Palaeozoic to the Middle Triassic.The rift-passive continental marginal depression-backarc basin sequences occurred along the southwestern margin of the Yangtze landmass.The rift-intraplatform depression-rift sequences were developed along the southern margin of the landmass.The intraplatform depression-rift sequences were organized within the Yangtze landmass.The evolution of the Palaeo-Tethys may have exerted an important influence on the formation and evolution of the Late Palaeozoic tectonics and basin prototypes.