In order to develop high-performance water-based drilling fluid with the aim of meeting the increasing requirement of drilling industry, highly inhibitive and high-temperature-resistant shale inhibitors are essential. In this study, 4, 4'-methylenebis-cyclohexanamine was introduced as a potential shale inhibitor. The inhibitive properties of the amine compound in comparison with currently available polyether diamine inhibitor were evaluated using bentonite inhibition test, shale cuttings hot-rolling dispersion test, linear swelling test, and pressure transmission test. The inhibitive mechanism was investigated with zeta potential measurement, X-ray diffraction analysis, and contact angle measurement. The results indicated that 4, 4'-methylenebis-cyclohexanamine can inhibit shale hydration and dispersion effectively, and prevent pressure transmission to a certain extent, performing better than that of polyether diamine. Furthermore, the new diamine provides reliable thermal stability as high as 220 degrees C, preserving the benefits of high-temperature wells application. This novel diamine inhibits shale hydration and dispersion with the combination of chemical inhibition and physical plugging. The intercalation into the interlayer of clay with monolayer collapses the hydrated clay structure and expels the water molecules. After adsorption, clay surface became more hydrophobic, which prevents the imbibition of water. The variation of solubility separates the compound from the solution, which can plug the micro-pores of shale and prevent fluid invasion.