Abstract: On the basis of the seismic data available, this paper introduces the seismic characteristics of various subtle traps in eastern China and makes a preliminary approach to their distribution regularity and the related seismic exploration technique. It is proposed that these subtle traps can be divided into nine kinds of four types according to their seismic characteristics. The horizontal and vertical distribution patterns of various subtle traps are discussed in this paper. It is accepted that most of these subtle traps are distributed along four kinds of zone, i.e., the erosional unconformity zone, the overlap unconformity zone, the pinch lithological zone and the major fault zone. It is advisable to predict and search for subtle traps along these zones from now on.