Brachymystax tsinlingensis Li, 1966 is revalidated and redescribed. It can be distinguished from all congeners by the following combination of characteristics: no spots on operculum; gill rakers 15-20; lateral-line scales 98-116; pyloric caeca 60-71. Unique morphological characters and genetic divergence of this species are discussed. This species has a limited distribution in several streams of the middle part of the Qinling Mountains in China. Methods for management and protection of B. tsinlingensis need to be re-evaluated.