The original species description relied on morphological characteristics only. 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.
