Abstract: On the basis of spatial and temporal characteristics of vertical deformation in the study area as shown by data obtained from repeated levelling,dynamic state of recent tectonic movement is described in this paper.It is suggested that a N-S slip of the block was accommodated along the low angle fault before and after the Tangshan earthquake.Moreover,in view of changes in deformation following the shock in point the stress accumalation might be on the front of the slipping block,suggesting an increase in tectonic stresses in the southern part of the North China plain.It is concluded that historically seismic zones and those in the process of being deformed,which have NW-treniding structures acting as a barrier to shocks can regarded as seismically potential regions.