The “red- black” coupling sedimentary architecture is one of the most important ore- controlling feature for sandstone- type uranium deposits in the Middle and Cenozoic basins of northern China (hereafter referred to as the Northern basins). This feature has been extensively validated and applied in exploration strategies, leading to the discovery of over 300 prospecting targets and orefields. Concurrently, metallogenic theories have undergone substantial advancements, resulting in a more comprehensive understanding of the processes governing ore formation. This publication summarizes findings from over 600 km of boreholes in the Northern basins. Comparative analyses of sedimentology and geochemistry in typical deposits provide insights into the depositional conditions and material compositions of Cenozoic, Cretaceous, and Jurassic reservoirs. This analysis further reveals the reservoir conditions controlling metallogenic fluid flow and uranium mineral precipitation. The findings demonstrate that the Northern basins have developed seven distinct sets of red beds since the Jurassic: (1) Middle Jurassic- Early Late Jurassic (Bathonian- Oxfordian), (2) Early Cretaceous (Valanginian), (3) Late Early Cretaceous (Aptian), (4) Early Late Cretaceous (Cenomanian), (5) Late Late Cretaceous- Early Paleocene (Campanian- Thanetian), (6) Early Cenozoic (Aquitanian- Burdigalian), and (7) Late Cenozoic (Zanclean- Piacenzian). The red beds and the underlying black organic- rich strata form the foundational reservoir architecture for large- scale uranium mineralization in the Northern basins. Geochemical indicators show distinct Fe2+/Fe3+ ratios: red strata (0. 29~1. 47, n=78), black strata (0. 57~53. 96, n=223), and orebodies (1. 00~26. 45, n=52). Both orebodies and black strata, typically characterized by Fe2+/Fe3+ ratios greater than 1, exhibit features indicative of reducing environment, including the growth of pyrite, carbon debris, and oil spots. Conversely, red strata, with Fe2+/Fe3+ ratios generally less than 1, are characterized by calcareous nodules, signifying an oxidizing environment. Carbon content analysis shows a distinct range: red strata (0~0. 16%, n=107), orebodies (0. 01%~2. 65%, n=137), and black strata (0. 01%~2. 66%, n=339). Uranium enrichment and precipitation are closely linked to the carbon content in orebodies, which is slightly lower than that of black strata. Red beds, black strata, and sandstone- type uranium ore exhibit a close spatial association. Uranium ore bodies usually occur at the transition zones between red beds and black strata. Oxygenated uranium- bearing fluids migrating through the red beds progressively interact with the reducing medium of the black strata, leading to mineralization that extends deep into the basins interior. Ore bodies, often tabular in shape, are found in gray, grayish green sandstone, fine sandstone, and even mudstone. Excessive oxidation or reduction inhibits large- scale uranium concentration and mineralization. The cyclic deposition and filling of the red and black strata, creating a “red- black” coupling, are crucial for large- scale uranium mineralization in the Northern basins. This coupling results in multi- layer mineralization, a significant aspect for exploration efforts and understanding the metallogenic environment, ore formation regularity, and metallogenic mechanisms.