The tree is quite variable and has many recognised varieties, though some are also maintained to be separate species by certain authorities.

The tree was recently discovered in the mountains of northern Vietnam, making that the southernmost extension of its range.

The upper side of the leaf is grooved and keeled, while the underside has 2 white stomatic bands.

The foliage is very similar to that of T. heterophylla, but T. chinensis has nodding shoots and the stomatic bands are paler and more sparse.

[4][5] In China it is present at altitudes of 1,000 to 3,500 m (3,300 to 11,500 feet) in the following provinces: Anhui, Fujian, southern Gansu, Guangdong, Guangxi, northern Guizhou, western Henan, western Hubei, Hunan, Jiangxi, southern Shaanxi, Sichuan, Tibet, Yunnan, and Zhejiang.

It is found primarily in mixed forests near river basins and in mountains and valleys.

[4] In Taiwan it is found mainly in Nantou County and Taoyuan City at heights of 1,700 to 3,500 m (5,600 to 11,500 feet) in mixed broadleaf forests.

In addition, the roots, trunk, and branches are all used in the production of aromatic oils due to their pleasing scent.