This recently described species is so far known only from its type locality, Yanxia Village (altitude 1,650 m) in Guiding County in Guizhou; it is endemic to China.

Adult salamanders measure 157–203 mm (6.2–8.0 in) in total length.

[1] The original species description relied on morphological characteristics only.

[1] Genetic methods, however, have confirmed the Guizhou salamander is a valid species.

According to the original description, it is most similar to the Kuankuoshui salamander and the yellow-spotted salamander (P. kuankuoshuiensis and P. flavomaculatus, respectively); genetic data suggest the Jinfo Mountain salamander (P. jinfo) to be its close relative too.