Pararhizomys is a poorly known muroid genus distantly related to living mice and rats. We report several new specimens including some from Lantian, which form the basis of a new species, Pararhizomys qinensis. This material sheds light on the defining features of Pararhizomys, but does not solve familial assignment. Pararhizomys may prove to be a member of Rhizomyidae, the living large body size bamboo rats, or could represent the end member of an independent family of ancient origin.