On the basis of garnet zonation, a pT path is inversely modeled for medium_pressure metamorphism of the southern Qinling orogenic belt. The path indicates that the garnet zonation recorded the pT increasing process before the metamorphic peak, and that the maximum temperature was coincident with the maximum pressure in the process, probably corresponding to a continuous crustal thickening process. Following the metamorphic peak, a rapid uplift accompanied by tectonic processes took place, resulting in a pT path of ITD type. The present study is helpful to understanding the medium_pressure metamorphic process of the continental collision orogenic belt.