Paleozoic multiple accretionary and collisional tectonics of the Chinese Tianshan orogenic collage

► The consumption of the Junggar-Balkash Ocean generated multiple Paleozoic island arcs in the north. ► South Tianshan Ocean mainly subducted northward with complicated polarities along strike in the south. ► Docking of the southerly cratons terminated in the Permian to Mid-Triassic, forming a Mediterranean-type scenario. ► Multiple accretionary and collisional tectonics characterizes the Altaids.