[Abstract] Gentiana rigescens is a top-geoherbs of traditional Chinese medicine in Yunnan province. An investigating on distribution and current situation of Gentiana rigescens resource in Yunnan was made to provide basis for exploitation and cultivation of G. rigescens. Folk market and field survey methods were applied to explore the resource of G. rigescens in 38 cities and counties. G. rigescens could be found in the most areas of Yunnan, except Zhaotong, Deqin and Xishuangbanna. The suitable habitats for G. rigescens are the slope or understory in the elevation between 1350 to 2500 m. In 19 populations, the root diameter ranged from 0.33 to 0.44 cm, the root length was 19.79 to 7.03 cm, the root number was 19.40 to 6.34, the biomass of root was 1.40 to 0.27 g, and the content of gentiopicroside was 3.56% to 5.99%. The qualities of root were higher in Kunming, Yuxi, Chuxiong, Wenshan, and Nujiang than other populations. The wild G. rigescens is needed to protect its resource due to habitat loss. The results provided data base for sustainable utilization of G. rigescens.