458–407 Ma diorites and granitoids were recognized in the Alxa Terrane.
458–440 Ma and 417–407 Ma groups have different geochemistry and petrogeneses.
Southward subduction of the Paleo-Asian Ocean commenced in the early Paleozoic.
A tectonic switch from advancing to retreating subduction occurred at ~ 407 Ma.
The Alxa had a close link with the North China Craton since the early Paleozoic.