The apparent absence, in Cambrian Series 2, of widespread and rapidly evolving organisms comparable to the later agnostids, graptolites, conodonts, ammonites, or planktonic foraminifers, has prevented a consistent intercontinental biostratigraphy. Occasional genera, and (rarely) species, of trilobites, archaeocyathans and other groups may be found in more than one region. Nevertheless, based on the complete trilobite and archaeocyathan successions in the shallow water Yangtze Platform and in deeper water Jiangnan Slope environment, correlation of Cambrian Series 2 between South China and other continents is discussed in detail. The oldest trilobite Parabadiella and Tsunyidiscus in South China can be correlated with the oldest trilobite Abadiella in Australia, Profallotapis in Siberia and Eofallotaspis in Morocco.• Key words: Cambrian Series 2, correlation, South China, other continents.