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Abstract The Mesozoic (especially the Cretaceous) sequences in the northern South China Sea (SCS) are important potential targets of oil and gas exploration; however, they are currently poorly understood. We use organic petrology and geochemistry to evaluate the hydrocarbon potential and study depositional environment of the Cretaceous black mudstones and shales from the Dayawan Section in the Guangdong Province, China. These mudstones and shales yield total organic carbon (TOC) contents of 0.63%–2.76% and most samples meet the requirement for higher TOC source rocks. Organic matters in the mudstones and shales were sourced mainly from higher plants as well as subordinate benthic macroalgae. Organic petrology and geochemical data suggested that the organic matters were dominated by Type-III and minor Type-II, and generally have low thermal maturity. Thus, we evaluated the black mudstones and shales have a potential for hydrocarbon generation (especially gas prone). Pr/Ph, trace elements, and mixture source of organic matter suggested that these black mudstones and shales formed in a coastal–lacustrine environment, characterized by weakly oxidizing−weakly reducing conditions and low-salinity. A marine transgression developing in the middle part of the section was recognized. Generally, the northern SCS, which exhibits the more marine influence, likely contains source rocks with higher TOC contents and better organic matter types. The Cretaceous source rocks with higher liquid hydrocarbon generation potential may occur locally in the Pearl River Mouth Basin. Highlights • The Lower Cretaceous black shales develop in the Dayawan section, Guangdong. • The shales have high TOC, low thermal maturity, and Type-III organic matter. • The shales formed in weakly oxidizing− weakly reducing offshore lacustrine settings. • An early Cretaceous marine transgression resulted in these black shales. • Black shales located away from volcanism in SCS may have hydrocarbon potential. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]