It is found in southwestern China, Vietnam, Myanmar, northern Thailand, and likely in the intervening Laos.

[2] Its natural habitats are small and large streams in montane forests, scrub vegetation and grasslands, and it has also been found in ditches.

It is threatened primarily by collection for human consumption, but also by habitat loss caused by agricultural development and infrastructure development.

[1] Nanorana yunnanensis are relatively large frogs: males grow to a snout–vent length of about 98 mm (3.9 in) and females to 99 mm (3.9 in).

Tadpoles are up to 52 mm (2.0 in) in length.