The age, isotopic signature and significance of the youngest Mesozoic granitoids in the Jiaodong Terrane, Shandong Province, North China Craton

► Four granitoid batholiths in eastern Shandong, China, have mean U-Pb age of 116 ± 1 Ma. ► These young granitoids represent latest phase of Late Yanshanian magmatism in China. ► Granitoids have mainly I-type affinity with minor A-types. ► Hafnium data on zircons indicate involvement of ancient crust. ► Evidence of mantle induced melting due to Cretaceous crustal thinning or delamination.