Shale oil is a promising alternative unconventional energy to conventional fossil fuels. Its exploration and production are critical to improve the present energy consumption pattern and mitigate dependence on foreign energy. Particularly, the key factors determining shale oil occurrence are the most important issues for its production. In this review, we briefly summarize the dominant space of shale reservoirs for accommodating shale oil. We also provide a comprehensive overview of occurrence state of shale oil and analyze in detail the factors such as pore size, organic matter, inorganic minerals of oil-bearing shale and reservoir burial depth. Finally, we discuss the existing challenges and perspectives on how to explore and address occurrence of shale oil in practical shale reservoirs to promote the future shale oil production. An accurate description of shale oil occurrence through viable research methodology, advanced instrument characterization and theoretical simulation is crucial for estimating shale oil reserves, optimizing and enhancing shale oil production.

页岩油是一种很有前景的非常规能源替代传统化石燃料。它的勘探和生产对于改善当前的能源消费模式和减轻对外国能源的依赖至关重要。其中，决定页岩油产状的关键因素是其生产的最重要问题。在这篇综述中，我们简要总结了页岩油藏储集层的优势空间。全面概述了页岩油赋存状态，详细分析了含油页岩的孔隙大小、有机质、无机矿物、储层埋深等因素。最后，我们讨论了如何在实际页岩油藏中探索和解决页岩油赋存以促进未来页岩油生产的现有挑战和前景。