P-T paths and U-Pb ages of pelitic and semi-pelitic granulites in the Yunkai massif and implication for the tectonic evolution of the Wuyi-Yunkai orogen, South China

•The clockwise P-T paths of pelitic and semi-pelitic granulites in the Yunkai massif areestablished.•The pelitic and semi-pelitic granulites have peak metamorphic conditions of 825–875 °C/4.7–5.1 kbar and a post-peak isobaric cooling process.•Zircon U-Pb geochronological dating yielded metamorphic ages of ∼445 Ma.•The LP-HT metamorphism in the Yunkai massif is proposed to be related to the Early Paleozoic ridge subduction and opening of the slab window.