This species is associated with deciduous broad-leaved mixed forest shaded by dense canopies as well as understories of moderate to high densities of grasses and herbaceous plants (Sun et al. 2012, Qin et al. 2012). Most observations of the species have occurred less than 100 m from small to medium ponds (Sun et al. 2012, Qin et al. 2012). In China, breeding takes place in spring and occurs in these pools by larval development (Sun et al. 2011), however, a need for further research on the species' reproductive ecology has been identified (Qin et al. 2012). Habitat in parts of this species' range is undergoing fragmentation and degradation associated with agriculture and pollution from sewage and garbage (Sodhi et al. 2009, Sun et al. 2012).

Similar to its congeners, the generation length is estimated to be 3-4 years.

This species was previously known from China and Viet Nam. It is now only known from Guangxi and Guangdong provinces in China, between 1,320-1,400 m asl. All Viet Nam records have been assigned to other species. Records from Phu Canh Nature Reserve and Thuong Tien Nature Reserve in Hoa Binh Province, Xuan Son National Park in Phu Tho Province, Xuan Nha Nature Reserve in Son La Province and Xuan Lien Nature Reserve in Thanh Hoa Province have now been assigned to Tylototriton pasmansi (Bernardes et al. 2020). Records from Sa De Phin Commune in Lai Chau Province, northern Viet Nam have been assigned to T. sparreboomi (Bernardes et al. 2020). Furthermore, records of the species from other Vietnamese localities including Ha Giang and Lao Cai Provinces (Nguyen et al. 2009) have since been attributed to the congener T. ziegleri (Nishikawa et al. 2013, T.Q. Nguyen pers. comm. February 2016). Individuals from Tam Dao National Park in central northern Viet Nam were tentatively assigned to T. hainanensis based on photographs, but were also described as T. asperrimus-like (Böhme et al. 2005).

Conservation Actions In-Place
This species has Class II Protection status in China under the Law of the People's Republic of China on the Protection of Wildlife (china.org.cn 2016). Additionally it is known from a number of protected areas including Mulun Nature Reserve (Qin et al. 2012) in China. This species is listed in CITES Appendix II.

Conservation Needed
Regulation of the species' harvest and trade will likely be important for its conservation, hence it is recommended that trade and harvest management programs be established.

Research Needed
Addressing the lack of data is the first step towards ensuring the species' long-term persistence. More information is needed on this species' distribution, population status, ecology, harvest rates, and threats.