Abstract: Groundwater is the principle life water source for residents in northern hilly region of Ganzhou, and it is of great scientific value to conduct the investigation of hydrochemical characteristics and formation mechanism of shallow groundwater in this area. Fifty three samples of groundwater in different water-bearing formation were collected in the northern area in 2018, covering areas of 460 km². Based on statistical analysis, Piper diagram, spatial analysis and ion ratio, the authors discussed hydrochemical characteristics and formation mechanism. The results show the pH of shallow groundwater is between 5.08 and 7.87 and TDS is between 16.5 mg/L and 375.7 mg/L, representing weakly acidic fresh water. The cations are mainly Ca²⁺, and the anions are mainly HCO₃^-. The chemical types of shallow groundwater are mainly HCO₃^--Ca²⁺ and HCO₃^--Ca²⁺·Mg²⁺, and the water-rock interaction, cation exchange and human activities are the main factors affecting the hydrochemical characteristics of shallow groundwater in this area. This research would provide some reference for groundwater protection, management and development.