Based on MaxEnt model and ArcGIS technology, we obtained 107 effective distribution points of Paphiopedilum micranthum in China and screened 13 factors for MaxEnt model prediction through field investigation, combined with specimens and literature review. The AUC was used to analyze the reliability of the model and visual processing was carried out in ArcGIS 10.6 to analyze the potential distribution area of P. micranthum and calculated its size. Jackknife, the contribution rate of predictive factors and the response curve were used to analyze the dominant factors affecting the distribution of Paphiopedilum. The results showed that: (1) in general, P. micranthum distributed scattered in the large scale of the countrywide, and the karst mountains in Yunnan, Guizhou and Guangxi provinces (autonomous regions) are the main distribution areas. On a small scale, it generally presents the characteristics of micro topography and small population aggregation distribution, with 64.95% of the distribution points having an actual distribution area of not more than 100 m². (2) The potential distribution predicted the AUC of training data and test data, which are 0.992 and 0.987, respectively. Southwest to southern Guizhou, Central Guizhou, Southeast Yunnan and north to Northwest Guangxi are the potential distribution areas. The most suitable areas are Southeast Yunnan and southwest Guizhou to Northwest Guangxi, with an area of about 3 912.71 km². (3) The dominant factors affecting the potential distribution of P. micranthum are T_TEXTURE (Fine), precipitation of the driest quarter (55-85 mm), annual average precipitation (1 220-1 480 mm) and T_CaCO₃ (2.5%-2.7%). The contribution rates of the four dominant factors are 30.0%, 20.1%, 16.2% and 7.0%, respectively. We concluded that P. micranthum is excavated seriously and required the strict habitat. According to the actual distribution, survival status, threatened status and prediction results of potential distribution areas of P. micranthum in China, we suggest that P. micranthum should be included in the list of national key protected plants, and strengthen the native places protection through nature reserves or specific conservation region.