Abstract: The Carboniferous-Permian coal measures strata in the Zhoukou Depression have stronger hydrocarbon-generating potential, which process abundant organic matter, rich coal and steady lithology and lithofacies. The obvious character of the depression is secondary hydrocarbon generation. The amount of secondary hydrocarbon generation depends on initial maturity, hydrocarbon-generating potential and final maturity. The places which have better secondary hydrocarbon-generating potential in the Zhoukou Depression are the Tanzhuang-Shenqiu Sag and the Niqiuji Sag. The industrial oil flow was obtained from the Paleogene of well Nan-12 at the Dawangzhuang Structure in the Niqiuji Sag, It indicated that the exploration prospects of coal-derived hydrocarbon in the area was extensive.