As potential geothermal resources, high heat production (HHP) granites have attracted attention from countries around the world. However, the genetic links between HHP granites and hydrothermal metal deposits have not received the corresponding emphasis and reviews. Methods:Based on the detailed investigation and research of typical HHP granites and related metal deposits, we summarize the petrology and spatial—temporal distribution characteristics of HHP granites and discuss the ore- forming relationship between HHP granites and hydrothermal metal deposits.Results:High heat production (HHP) granites are enriched in radioactive heat producing elements—— HPEs：U, Th, K and their heat production values are higher than or equal to 5 μW/m3. HHP granites are closely related to the rare- and rare- earth metal deposits (especially W—Sn deposits) and some gold deposits that are associated with reduced intrusive rocks. HHP granites exhibit protracted differentiation with associated element enrichments and delayed heating effects, which may be conducive to the formation of long- lived magmatic—hydrothermal mineralization systems and large metal deposits. Conclusions: The HHP granites, usually assembled by multiple magma pulses, are accumulated complex with alkali- rich and low- phosphorus characteristics and most are characterized by high differentiation/evolution, which are generally associated with large to super- large hydrothermal metal deposits.