Abstract: The Carlin-type gold deposit whose deposit formation is significantly controlled by structures is an important metallogenic type along the southeast Yunnan metallogenic belt. Based on structural types and ore characteristics of the Guangnan gold deposits, this paper points out that the extremely well developed E-W, NW-SE and SW-NE trending fractures constitute the main characteristics of structural development, the emplacement of gold orebodies is mainly influenced by faults and unconformity, and the right lateral transpression and subsequent extension determine the present characteristics and distribution of the orebody. The development of veinlike, brecciated, and disseminated structures in the mining areas reveals that the fault activities and hydrothermal alteration played very important roles in the metallogenic process.