Evolution of the Linglong MCC was constrained by thermochronologic data.
Gold deposition at Xiadian occurred at 130–131 Ma near the brittle–ductile transition along the detachment fault.
Gold mineralization in the Linglong MCC evolved from east (~ 130 Ma) to west (~ 120 Ma).
The MCCs occurred in an extensional regime caused by the rollback of the paleo-Pacific plate.