[1] The big-headed turtle is known to readily climb over obstacles in and around rivers and fast streams, using its tail as a prop to extend the reach of its strong claws.

[9] Originally assumed to be strictly carnivorous, this appears to be an opportunistic feeder with a significant shift towards omnivory or herbivory.

Using fecal matter, big-headed turtles are found to consume fruits (Machilus and Turpinia arguta), terrestrial insect adults/larva and aquatic larva (Coleoptera, Homoptera, Hymenoptera, Isoptera, Lepidoptera, Mantodea, Orthoptera, Diptera, Ephemeroptera, Odonata and Tricoptera), mollusks (Sulcospira hainanensis), frogs, rodents, and freshwater crabs.

Seeds partially digested were found to have increased germination success after turtle excretion, possibly connecting their frugivore habits to environmental conditions.

Hunters capture them on lines with baited straight pins, so this species is rapidly disappearing in the wild.