Loess deposits (Xiashu Loess) are widely distributed in the lower Changjiang Valley, East China, and are considered to be of eolian origin with a similar provenance to the well-documented loess of north-central China. The Xiashu Loess is characterized by strong dissolution of carbonate, and considerable weathering of some silicate minerals, especially plagioclase. Chemical mobility of Ca>Sr>Na>Mg was observed in the Xiashu Loess sediments, whilst most transition metals are relatively enriched. Chemical index of variation (CIA) and element ratios of K/Na and K/Ca record several paleoclimate events in the lower Changjiang Valley during the mid-late Quaternary, corresponding with isotopic records in deep-sea sediments. East China might be governed by stronger summer monsoons than north-central China during interglacial periods of the mid-late Quaternary, which may somewhat obscure the record of winter monsoons during glacial periods.