Archean crustal evolution in the southeastern North China Craton: New data from the Huoqiu Complex

•Zircons from the Huoqiu Complex of the SE North China Craton yield Paleo- to Neo-Archean ages.•Three age peaks at ∼3.02, ∼2.77 and ∼2.71Ga record different crustal processes.•Zircon U–Pb age of 3262±35Ma and REE data indicate possible existence of Paleoarchean crystalline basement.•Sedimentary rocks of the Huoqiu Complex formed between 2.77Ga and 2.71Ga.