<p>Recording multiple phases of tectonic and magmatic evolution, granitic rocks of the Mesozoic age are abundant in South China. In particular, the Indosinian orogeny represents a pivotal geological event in the tectonic history of the South China Block. However, the tectonic mechanism for the formation of these granitic rocks remains unclear. Herein, based on available geochronology data, the Indosinian granitic rocks in South China were dated between 260 and 202&#xa0;Ma, yielding an age peak of approximately 230&#xa0;Ma. These granitic rocks are predominantly concentrated in the Shiwandashan, Darongshan, Wuyi, Nanling, and Xuefengshan areas and S-type, I-type, and aluminous A-type granites, characterized by metaluminous to strongly peraluminous compositions. Geochemical and Sr–Nd-Pb-Hf isotopic data in this study revealed that the S- and A-type granites are produced by partial melting of Cathaysian basement rocks. Meanwhile, I-type granites were derived from a mixed source of metasedimentary and metabasaltic rocks, along with mantle-derived magma. Based on magmatic, sedimentary, structural, and metamorphic records, we suggest that the formation of the Indosinian granitic rocks in South China can be attributed to the Paleo-Tethyan tectonic regime. The closure of the Paleo-Tethys ocean in South China occurred at <i>ca.</i> 245&#xa0;Ma, whereas the transition from syn-collisional compression to post-orogenic extension occurred at <i>ca.</i> 230&#xa0;Ma.</p> Graphical abstract <p></p>