The Yunnan Sub-nosed Monkey is listed as a subspecies of the Golden Monkey (fig.), which is also commonly known as Sub-nosed Monkey (fig.). It is dark greyish above and whitish-buff below, with an all-white bottom that extends to the lower back, whilst its tail is also dark grey.

Its head is light grey with a darker crown, while its ear tips are whitish and the face pale pink, bordered by a white beard or a golden beard that may be whitish at the base.