Meso-Neoproterozoic strata and target source rocks in the North China Craton: A review

•The North China Craton experienced long-term extension during the Mesoproterozoic and discrepancy of the basin evolution in different areas of the NCC.•The earliest deposition after the cratonization of the NCC may be from the southern NCC.•Three set of the fine-grained formations in the central NCC hold the potential for hydrocarbon.