Suspected Holocene palaeoflood slackwater deposits (SWDs) were identified in Liulin County along the Shanxi-Shaanxi Gorges in the middle reaches of the Yellow River.Samples were collected and magnetic susceptibility, loss-on-ignition,calcium carbonate and grain-size distribution were measured in the laboratory.The results showed that the four layers of SWDs had high values in the calcium carbonate and low values the magnetic susceptibility and loss-on-ignition.The four layers of SWDs had a typical characteristics of palaeoflood SWDs according to field research,analysis of grain size feature,C-M pattern and frequency of grain size distribution.,Using the Stratigraphic subdivisions and OSL dating methods,this study demonstrated that the Jin-Shan Gorges of the Yellow River experienced a flooding period in 3 200 - 2 900 years ago.Repeated big flood events caused the social instability and marked a turn point in history when it was at the period between the early Western Zhou dynasty and the late Shang dynasty.The study revealed the basic characteristics of the palaeoflood slackwater deposits,which was of significance to reconstruct the Holocene Palaeoflood flood events,mitigating flood disasters and conservation of soil and water.These finding were important in understanding the interaction between regional hydrological system and global climate change.