Zircon U–Pb dating results refine the emplacement age of the Piaotang pluton at 159.8 ± 0.3 Ma. Cassiterite U–Pb dating constrains the timing of W–Sn mineralization at 159.5 ± 1.5 Ma. Igneous event and hydrothermal activity occurred synchronously within a time span of <1 Myr. Trace elements of cassiterite can fingerprint its growth environment.