Abstract: In the Upper Paleolithic period, the blade technique existed in the domestic industries of North China, with a typical example being that of Shiyu, in Shanxi province. Characteristics of this technique are: 1) technological simplicity; 2) production of smalltomedium sized blades; 3) the connection with high quality stone material; 4) the low function in the technical system for production of stone implements. According to these characteristics, the blade technique of North China was divided into a PreXujiayao stage, Xujiayao stage( 100 ——35ka) , and a ShiyuXiaonanhai stage ( 35 ——17ka) . These three stages correspond with the three stages ( Early, Middle, Late or Lower, Middle, Upper) of the Paleolithic of West Eurasia.

Key words: Blade technique; North China; Shiyu; Xiaonanhai; Xujiayao; Division of paleolithic