Its common name refers to the type locality, Nanhu Mountain.

The mountain contains glacial relic formations, the reason for the species epithet glacialis.

They are parapatric with H. formosanus that occurs at lower altitudes.

[1] They live near alpine tundra, usually beside creeks, cold springs, and seepages, usually hiding during the day.

[2] The Nanhu salamander is medium-sized; adults are about 4.8–6.7 cm (1.9–2.6 in) in snout–vent length; it is the largest Taiwanese hynobiid.