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Abstract\nKEY POINTSThe late Mesozoic tectonic and sedimentary evolution characteristics of Yihezhuang Salient help determine the controlling factors for coeval coal-forming mechanisms in the eastern North China Craton. Within the established tectono-stratigraphic framework, the late Mesozoic Yihezhuang Salient was identified using unconformity surfaces, faulting activity, balanced sections and paleogeomorphic characteristics, as a tectonic transition. The late Mesozoic sedimentary characteristics and the sedimentary evolution in response to the tectonic transition were analysed based on field outcrops, drilling data, core samples and seismic profiles. The results demonstrated that the late Mesozoic tectonic transition underwent three evolutionary stages: (1) the early stage, the Lower and Middle Jurassic developed meandering river facies with thin coal seams and an Upper Jurassic braided river with no coal seams; (2) the main stage, i.e. the Late Jurassic and Early Cretaceous, negative tectonic inversion caused transformation into a small, faulted basin with a developing fan delta and lacustrine facies; and (3) the late stage, extrusion and denudation occurred with no deposition in the Upper Cretaceous. Coal seams only developed in the Lower and Middle Jurassic, owing to the sedimentary facies and paleoclimate that were influenced by the tectonic transition of the eastern North China Craton.The tectonic transition of the late Mesozoic Yihezhuang Salient in eastern North China Craton was delineated.The late Mesozoic sedimentary characteristics, including the coal seams, of the Yihezhuang Salient are clarified and the tectonic transition described.The influence of the tectonic transition on the coal-forming mechanism is discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]