Partial melting of subducted continental crust during the exhumation: Insights from Palaeozoic granitic rocks in South Altyn, western China

•Magmatism formed during the initial stage (ca. 480Ma) and advanced stage (ca. 450Ma) of exhumation of subducted continental crust have been recognized in South Altyn western China.•Two stages of magmatism exhibits evidence for the partial melting of subducted continental crust during differential exhumation process of South Altyn in Palaeozoic.