Geochemical characteristics of Rare Earth Elements (REEs) in basalt-derived soil profiles in Leizhou Peninsula were studied. Results show that REE distribution in the soil profiles is not only controlled by their parent basalts, but also affected by weathering and soil forming processes. ∑REE and δEu demonstrate clear inheritance of basalts, while the weathering and soil forming processes result in REEs enrichment in the upper horizons of the profiles and obvious Ce positive anomaly. However, no remarkable REE fractionation is observed during the soil forming process. ∑REE shows an extremely significant negative correlation with Fe2O3 content, which may be attributed to enhanced Fe-oxides crystallization and decrease in content of REE-rich amorphous iron, while an extremely significant positive one with the contents of P2O5 and MnO, which should be caused by the existence of REEs-containing phosphate and Mn-oxides minerals, and with the content of clay (especially the fraction <1μm) as well, demonstrating that the adsorption of REEs by clay minerals that are increasing during the weathering and soil forming processes is an important factor for the enrichment of REEs. Furthermore, the adsorption of light rare earth elements (LREEs) by clay minerals is more obvious.