Lithologic traps are the main play for the further exploration in western Dongying Depression. But the knowledge about sedimentary characteristics in this area is disputed. Based on the former views, sedimentary characteristics are re-identified through facies types, provenance systems, facies distribution and facies model. The new understandings are as follows. The main facies types are braided delta, near-shore sub-lacustrine fan, turbidite fan and lake. There are three provenance systems which are southern Jinjia, western Gaoqing and south-east provenance systems. Sedimentary facies model of braided delta to turbidite is constructed in light of sedimentary characteristics which is similar to the delta model in the Gulf of Mexico. Based on this, the authors draw a conclusion that turbidite fans are the main play for lithologic traps in this area.