This species is native to Southeast Asia — including Nepal, India, Bhutan, Myanmar, Thailand, Malaysia, Laos, Vietnam, and mainland China. It has a wide distribution and stable population, inhabiting tropical and subtropical moist forests between 900 and 2,700 m in elevation. The large golden-throated barbet is vivid green above with paler yellowish-green below, deep blue wings, and verditer under the tail. Its bill is black, with black around the eyes, a crimson forehead, and an orange throat.

Its legs are greenish. Slow-moving and hard to spot, it is usually found foraging quietly or perched in the canopy. Status: Least Concern.