On the basis of detailed field structure investigation，tectonic evolution of the Linglong batholith is constrained by main normal fault kinematic observation，stress field inversion from slip data, pluton deformation analysis and arrangement of dikes and quartz veins in the Jiaodong region. The results show that the Linglong batholith is an Early Cretaceous extensional dome produced by regional NW—SE extension. The extension, magmatism and gold mineralization in the north is more intense than those in the south. Under the Early Cretaceous strong extension and magmatism setting，the late Jurassic Linglong batholith was exhumed to the surface as a horst, rather than a metamorphic core complex, due to normal faulting along two boundary faults, i.e. the Zhaoping and Jiaojia fault zones, with opposite dip directions. It is suggested therefore that the Linglong batholith had not uplifted to the surface right after its Late Jurassic emplacement, and its exhumation was caused by the regional extension of Early Cretaceous and associated with the formation of large scale gold mineralization in this region. Determination of the Linglong extensional dome confirms that Early Cretaceous strong magmatic activity in this region happened under NW—SE extensional background. It further verifies that peak destruction of the eastern North China Craton took place in the Early Cretaceous.