Abstract: In this paper, using the Shanxi Formation in the southern Qinshui Basin as an example, the fracture development characteristics in tight sandstones in a coal system were studied, and the palaeotectonic stress field was simulated.Based on the findings, the fracture development area was predicted.The results showed that fractures of different scales were developed in the tight sandstone of the Shanxi Formation, of which more than 90% were tectonic fractures.The tectonic fractures mostly included tensile fractures, shear fractures, and extrusion fractures, and the non-tectonic fractures were primarily dissolution fractures.The fracture-filling type in the tight sandstone of the target layer was mainly unfilled and semi-filled.Fine geological modeling and paleostress simulations were conducted on No.II sand group of the Shanxi Formation, using the 3D finite element method (FEM).The palaeo-geostress field of the target layer in the Himalayan area was restored.Considering that tensile and shear fractures were both well developed in the target layer, and also a small amount of extrusion fractures were developed, we constructed a comprehensive rupture rate (I_F) to quantitatively predict the development of fractures.The prediction results agreed with actual geological conditions.Therefore, this method can effectively predict the fracture sweet spots of tight gas reservoirs in complex structural areas.