<p>This study systematically investigated the intergranular and intragranular precipitation behaviors of a heterogeneous structured Al-Zn-Mg-Cu-Fe alloy produced via an innovative short-route thermomechanical processing technology, with a focus on their impact on mechanical performance. The findings reveal that the peak-aging time of heterogeneous structured alloys can be significantly reduced compared with traditional homogeneous structured alloys. Multi-scale precipitates were formed in the alloys, corresponding to the distinct heterogeneous microstructures comprising soft and hard microregions. Optimizing the precipitate distribution in soft and hard microregions greatly enhances both strength and ductility. The precipitation phenomena of heterogeneous Al-Zn-Mg-Cu alloys, along with the mechanisms behind their high strength and ductility, have been discussed systematically. It offers a novel approach for high efficiency and low cost in precipitation-strengthened alloys to address the contradiction between strength and ductility.</p>