A new species of Rubiaceae, Ophiorrhiza gaoligongensis L. Wu, Hareesh & R. H. Tu, is described and illustrated from southwestern China. The species is similar to O. cantonensis Hance but can be distinguished by its acuminate to caudate leaf apices, persistent 2-lobed stipules with lobes 8–20 mm long, inflorescences remaining erect throughout maturation, and shorter corolla tubes. A detailed description, distribution and habitat data, and color photographs and illustrations are provided.