The structural evolution and deformation conditions of ore-controlling shear zones in the large-scale Jinshan orogenic gold deposit were studied through structural mapping, petrographic analysis and electron backscatter diffraction (EBSD) observation. Four distinct deformation events are identified, including pre-mineralisation ductile deformation (D1 and D2), syn-mineralisation brittle?ductile shearing (D3) and post-mineralisation brittle faulting (D4). Gold-bearing quartz veins are confined to D3-stage NE–SW-trending shear zones characterised by thrust plus sinistral slip movement under NW–SE-oriented compression. The mineral assemblage includes pyrite, arsenopyrite, chalcopyrite, galena, and native gold associated with quartz-sericite alteration. The quartz can be divided into two groups: pre-mineralisation coarse (>100 μm) grains and gold-related fine (<50 μm) grains. The coarse-grained quartz displays dominant prism and rhomb slip with intermediate- to high-temperature deformation fabrics (400?C–600?C) and has undergone sub-grain rotation recrystallisation after its formation. In contrast, the gold-related quartz distributed along the margins of coarse-grained quartz displays bulging recrystallisation with dominant basal slip, indicating intermediate- to low-temperature conditions (300?C–400?C). The intermediate- to low-temperature gold mineralisation event overprinted earlier intermediate- to high-temperature fabrics. This study highlights that the reactivation of the pre-mineralisation shear zones provided fluid pathways for subsequent auriferous fluid flow and gold deposition.