The invention provides a drilling fluid for shale hydrocarbon reservoir exploration. The drilling fluid is based on water, and comprises 4-6wt% of bentonite, 2-5wt% of potassium silicate, 0.2-0.5wt% of a coating inhibitor, 0.2-1.5wt% of a flow pattern regulator, 4-6wt% of a fluid loss additive, 2-3wt% of a shale caving inhibitor, 2-3wt% of a plugging agent, 0.5-1wt% of a filter cake surface modifier, 2-4wt% of a lubricant and 0.4-0.6wt% of a pH value regulator. The drilling fluid has the characteristics of good plugging property, strong inhibition, good lubricity and stable high temperature performances to shale hydrocarbon reservoir stratums, and is suitable for the exploration of shale hydrocarbon reservoirs.