The type species is B. youngi, based on remains found in the Ziliujing Formation of China.

[1] Bishanopliosaurus was a small plesiosaur, measuring about 4 m (13 ft) long.

[1] It can be differentiated by the bifurcated ribs of its sacrum.

Unusually, it appears to be a freshwater plesiosaur.

[2] A second species, B. zigongensis, is known from the slightly later Xiashaximiao Formation.