Paphiopedilum is one of the most valuable orchid groups with its unique shape, rich flower colors and long flowering period. The shape of the lip of Paphiopedilum is peculiar, and it is specialized as a pouch or helmet, it looks like a lady’s slippers, so it is also known as the slipper orchid. However, due to the low seed germination rate of Paphiopedilum, low propagation rate of traditional division propagation, immature tissue culture propagation technology, and relatively difficult to cultivate, it is difficult to meet the market demand through artificial breeding. Resulting in the serious exploitation of wild resources and the destruction of its living environment, wild resources continue to decrease, Paphiopedilum is now one of the most endangered species in the world. In this paper, the geographical distribution and habitat of Paphiopedilum in the world and China were analyzed by means of literature retrieval, with special attention to the new species published in recent years, which can provide reference for the conservation and utilization of wild Paphiopedilum germplasm resources. Understanding the geographical distribution characteristics of Paphiopedilum is of great significance for in situ and ex situ conservation of Paphiopedilum germplasm resources. At present, there are about 109 species and 26 varieties of Paphiopedilum in the world. Since the English edition of the Flora of China in 2009, 7 new species of Paphiopedilum have been discovered in China, on the basis of the original 27 species of Paphiopedilum, and 30 new species have been discovered in the world during this period. Paphiopedilum mostly distributed in tropical and subtropical transition areas, originated in southwest China and Southeast Asia, and then spread to Southeast Asian islands, Indonesia (Sulawesi, Java etc.) and China (Yunnan, Guangxi etc.) are the distribution centers of Paphiopedilum. The main factors affecting the distribution of Paphiopedilum are climate, topography, soil, symbiotic microorganisms, pollinators and so on. The distribution pattern of Paphiopedilum is influenced by both large scale (climate factor) and small scale (small habitat, such as landform, soil, etc.). Paphiopedilum may gradually spread and migrate to areas within its temperature tolerance range. In the past 50 years, the high latitude area has warmed more, and the suitable area for the growth of Paphiopedilum has expanded, resulting in its distribution range spreading or migrating to high latitudes and high altitudes. The seasonal temperature changes may cause the distribution of Paphiopedilum plants (Paph. subgenus Brachypetalum) to shift to higher or lower latitudes. The phenology, morphology and genes of Paphiopedilum plants may also undergo certain changes, and the number of species that do not adapt to environmental changes will gradually decrease until extinction, and new species will continue to emerge. The distribution of Paphiopedilum is also affected by topography, soil physical and chemical properties, soil microorganisms and other factors. Microorganisms in soil, especially fungi, can promote the germination of Paphiopedilum seeds. If fungi that are mutually beneficial to Paphiopedilum are lacking in the new habitat, the seeds of Paphiopedilum may not germinate smoothly, and the population of Paphiopedilum may be restricted to a specific area. The distribution of Paphiopedilum is also closely related to pollinators, and the species, quantity and distribution of pollinators affect the distribution pattern of the corresponding Paphiopedilum. Pollinating insects of Paphiopedilum are abundant, mainly belonging to the family of Syrphidae, and insects of Apidae, Halictidae, Colletidae and Megachilidae can also be used as pollinators for Paphiopedilum. There is usually more than one effective pollinator of each Paphiopedilum species. The study on the geographical distribution pattern of Paphiopedilum would provide reliable evidence for the species evolution between genera and within genera. The more primitive Paphiopedilum was mostly terrestrial, while the more evolved Paphiopedilum evolve into semi-epiphytic or epiphytic orchids due to environmental adaptation and competitive pressure, growing on cliffs or between rocks.