Tectonic evolution of a composite collision orogen: An overview on the Qinling-Tongbai-Hong'an-Dabie-Sulu orogenic belt in central China

► Continental collision preceded by northward accretion of juvenile arc terranes. ► The boundary between the SCB and NCB lies at northern margin of Kuanping unit. ► The Qinling-Dabie is a multi-stage evolution orogenic belt. ► The amalgamation process of the SCB and NCB last more than 300 Ma.