Variation of Xiashu Loess-Paleosol of Zhenjiang in rare earth element(REE)composition was studied,and the findings show that ∑REE varied in the range from 193.7 to 214.9μg g^-1 with an average value of 207.7μg g^-1.Compared with the Loess of the Loess Plateau,Xiashu Loess were significantly higher in REE absolute abundance,because of its higher content of clay that adsorbed REEs(especially LREEs).But they showed similar REE distribution patterns and characteristic parameters,and they were also quite similar to the upper continent crust(UCC)in REE composition.The REE distribution patterns of Xiashu Loess samples of different ages were almost identical,which displays uniformity of Xiashu Loess in material composition of the profile.The above-mentioned features provide new geochemical evidence of the aeolian origin theory for Xiashu Loess,and indicate that the materials of Xiashu Loess might come from an open and broad area and get highly mixed as aeolian dust during the process of transportation.The REE characteristics of Xiashu Loess are inherited mainly from its source materials. Even though the aeolian dusts has undergone stronger weathering and soil-forming process after they were settled and accumulated,the fractionation between LREE and HREE in Xiashu Loess is more apparent than in the loess of the Loess Plateau.On the whole,chemical weathering does not show any remarkable influence on REE fractionation,and the Paleosol does not vary much from the loess in REE composition or show any apparent Ce-depletion and Eu-depletion.