This paper investigates the influence of reaction atmosphere and operation parameters of the lightening process under high temperature and high pressure on high-viscosity shale oil using an experimental approach. Two types of experiments were implemented, one involving a thermogravimetric analyzer and another using an autoclave to carry out the lightening process. By these two kinds of experiments, the effects of reaction atmosphere and operation parameters on the lightening efficiency were clarified. As for the reaction atmosphere, the effects of CO₂, N₂ and air were separately evaluated. As for the operation parameters, the effects of heating rate and formation rock were investigated. The results indicate that under a CO₂ atmosphere, the lightening reaction is more intense than that under the other two gas phases, and it gains the highest reaction rate. Part of the minerals in the formation rock can be treated as catalyst in the shale oil lightening process. With the formation rock being present, the reaction rate increases significantly and higher contents of light components are obtained in both the lightened shale oil and gas phase. For the kinetic parameters in the lightening process, proportional relationships between the kinetic parameters and heating rates under CO₂ atmosphere with and without formation rock were identified. The findings of this study can provide guidance for enhancing high-viscosity shale oil using an in-situ lightening process.